On return, Quinton de Kock takes the knee


PTI, Oct 30, 2021, 4:12 PM IST

South African opener Quinton de Kock on Saturday took the knee before his team’s T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here, having pulled out of the side’s last game after refusing to perform the gesture.

Alongside the senior player, who returned to the playing XI for the Super 12 game against Sri Lanka, his South African teammates and the on-field umpires were also seen taking the knee, in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) movement.

A huge controversy had erupted hours before South Africa’s game against West Indies on Tuesday after Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a sudden directive that all the players must take the knee before every match of the ongoing tournament.

De Kock did not wish to comply and chose to pull out of the clash against the defending champions, which the Proteas won by eight wickets.

On Thursday however, de Kock made himself available for his team’s remaining matches of the tournament, saying he is fine taking a knee if it ”educates others” and that he was deeply hurt at being called a racist for not making the gesture against West Indies. De Kock, who is a senior player in the current set-up with 53 Tests, 124 ODIs and 58 T20Is under his belt, insisted that he was not a racist and made it clear that his displeasure was with the timing of CSA’s diktat.

”I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit,” he had said in a statement posted by CSA.

”There always seems to be a drama when we go to World Cups. That isn’t fair. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain. Temba (Bavuma).

”People might not recognise, but he is a flipping amazing leader. If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again.” Bavuma, the first black to lead the side, had offered support to de Kock after the win over West Indies and stated that ”it wasn’t ideal” to get a directive on taking the knee hours before the start of the match.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away

Passenger gets back misplaced bag containing valuables worth Rs 20 lakh at Mangaluru airport

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 Cr

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Related Articles More

Vinod Kambli admitted to hospital due to deterioration in health

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Sindhu marries Venkat Datta at Udaipur in a private ceremony

Tanush Kotian replaces recently retired Ashwin in India’s squad

The ability to take 20 wickets is not that good in Indian team: Cheteshwar Pujara

MUST WATCH

Tulunadu Daivaradane

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja


Latest Additions

Kalaburagi: Woman sustains burns after live electric wire falls on her

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Rohan Estate Mukka – Resort-style luxury layout launched

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.