T20 World Cup: SA vs WI Live: Quinton de Kock shocks CSA – South Africa’s premier batsman Quinton de Kock has stunned the team and cricket fraternity pulling out of an important World Cup match against West Indies citing personal reasons. He pulled out after CSA put up a knee directive, mandating all the players to take the knee before a match. Follow SA vs WI Live Updates
Quinton de Kock has made himself unavailable due to personal reasons
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 26, 2021
T20 World Cup: Quinton De Kock shocker! 30 minutes before West Indies match, QDK pulls out of World Cup match, CSA seeks report from team manager
While there was no injury concerns with Quinton de Kock, captain Temba Bavuma said he made himself unavailable due to personal reasons.
“Quinny is out and Reeza is in. He (de Kock) has made himself unavailable for personal reasons,” Bavuma said after the toss.
Later in a statement, CSA said that Quinton de Kock pulled out of the match due to “take the knee” directive. The CSA has sought a report from the team manager and further action will be taken after that.
T20 World Cup: Quinton De Kock shocker! 30 minutes before West Indies match, QDK pulls out of World Cup match, CSA seeks report from team manager
“After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the Board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. The Board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism,” CSA said in a statement.
“The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup. CSA thanks all other Proteas players for agreeing to unite and make such an important public stand against racism,” CSA added.
🇿🇦 Cricket South Africa believes success both on the field and beyond the boundary will be guaranteed if all South Africans stand united to build a new innings based on the pillars of inclusivity, access and excellence.
➡️ Full statement: https://t.co/j9MDE1Ct1Z pic.twitter.com/WjRlZ8SmUG
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 26, 2021
T20 World Cup: Quinton De Kock shocker! 30 minutes before West Indies match, QDK pulls out of World Cup match, CSA seeks report from team manager
“The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Board on Monday evening unanimously agreed to issue a directive requiring all Proteas players to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism by “taking the knee” prior to the start of their remaining World Cup matches. Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative,” CSA said in a statement.
Quinton de Kock not playing because of his stand on BLM movement 😳#BlackLivesMatter #SAvsWI #worldT20 pic.twitter.com/LqC76QKCL3
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 26, 2021
T20 World Cup: De Kock had earlier refused to take the knee when South Africa played West Indies. He then refused to reveal the reasons as well.
“I’ll keep my reasons to myself and it is my own personal opinion. Like Lungi said, it is everyone’s decision and no one is forced to do something and that’s the way I see things,” De Kock said.
However, former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted that CSA had asked De Kock to not play the match after he refused to take the knee in the match against West Indies.
Surely it’s down to the individual to decide whether he or she wants to be involved in any movement … A Cricket board should request players to do it but if that individual decides they don’t want too it should not stop them playing the game of Cricket … #T20WorldCup #DeKock
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 26, 2021
