South Africa opener de Kock pulls out of T20 World Cup match due to ‘personal reasons’

South Africa opener Quinton de Kock pulls out of T20 World Cup match against West Indies due to ‘personal reasons’… shortly after their board ordered them to take the knee for the remainder of the tournament

  • South Africa’s players chose different methods to support BLM against Australia 
  • Some chose to take the knee while others stood on their feet and raised fists 
  • Their board has ordered their players to take the knee for rest of T20 World Cup 
  • Captain Temba Bavuma then said at the toss Quinton de Kock had withdrawn 

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable for South Africa’s T20 World Cup match against West Indies, shortly after their board told them to take the knee for the remainder of the tournament.

Cricket South Africa were forced to react after the team chose different methods to support the Black Lives Matter movement ahead of their five-wicket defeat by Australia.

Some of the Proteas side took the knee on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, while others stood on their feet and raised their fists.

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable against West Indies

Cricket South Africa have ordered their players to take the knee following their disjointed support of the Black Lives Matter movement against Australia (above)

Cricket South Africa have ordered their players to take the knee following their disjointed support of the Black Lives Matter movement against Australia (above)

That left CSA no choice but to order all Proteas players to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism by taking the knee before each of their remaining World Cup matches.

But speaking at the toss ahead of Tuesday’s match against Kieron Pollard’s men, captain Temba Bavuma revealed former skipper de Kock had pulled out of the game due to ‘personal reasons’.  

The Proteas did all take the knee in Dubai before playing West Indies, but the news about de Kock means Heinrich Klaasen is keeping wicket for South Africa, while Reeza Hendricks has been brought in to open the batting. 

The Proteas appeared to have also paid the price for de Kock’s decision, with Klaasen dropping the first chance that came his way when Lendl Simmons’ edged the ball to him off Anrich Nortje.

But speaking at the toss, skipper Temba Bavuma (R) revealed de Kock (L) had withdrawn for 'personal reasons'

But speaking at the toss, skipper Temba Bavuma (R) revealed de Kock (L) had withdrawn for ‘personal reasons’

Both West Indies and Proteas players took the knee before their group match in Dubai

Both West Indies and Proteas players took the knee before their group match in Dubai

Speaking on commentary for the game, former Zimbabwe international Pommie Mbangwa said: ‘The lack of support for the initiative essentially means lack of support for people of colour within the team, in South Africa and in the world as a whole. 

‘Excuse me if I sound political, but I can’t shed my skin.’

He also spoke of the ‘need’ for South Africa to ‘at least’ be ‘united’ on something ‘the world agrees on’, because ‘this is a country with a history of racism and exclusion.’ 

Meanwhile, former West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy added: ‘As my mother always said, you’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything’

‘Sometimes I don’t understand: why is it so difficult to support this movement, if you understand what it stands for?’ 

Former West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy (R) spoke out against de Kock's actions

Former West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy (R) spoke out against de Kock’s actions

Speaking on Tuesday, CSA board chairperson said: ‘A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us. 

‘Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism.

‘South Africans were recently joined by people across the world in celebrating the 90th birthday of our revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

‘What better tribute from the Proteas to an icon of the struggle for freedom in South Africa than to demonstrate we are working to fulfil his vision of a united South Africa.’

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