On Monday, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Board agreed to issue a directive requiring all Proteas players to unite against racism by “taking the knee” prior to the start of their remaining World Cup matches.
But South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made the personal decision not to pursue this request ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies, where the Proteas cruised to an 8-wicket victory.
?? Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to “take the knee” ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies.
➡️ Full statement: https://t.co/cmEiA9JZy7 pic.twitter.com/4vOqkXz0DX
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 26, 2021
This comes after concerns were raised that the different postures (with some standing and others kneeling) taken by team members in support of the Black Lives Matter movement created the perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative.
After taking into consideration the relevant issues as well as South Africa’s history, the Board expressed the importance of a united and consistent front within the team. And while several other teams at the World Cup have adopted this stance against the issue, South African players were urged to do the same.
According to the CSA, “taking the knee” is a ” global gesture against racism adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power sport has to bring people together.”
“A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us. Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses,” said CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo.
“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,” he adds.
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Picture: Twitter / SA Cricket Magazine