Cricket South Africa have agreed to “adopt a united stance against racism”; a statement added: “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”
Last Updated: 26/10/21 1:24pm
Quinton de Kock withdrew from South Africa’s T20 World Cup match against the West Indies after refusing to take a knee.
South Africa’s players have been told to take a knee before the start of their remaining T20 World Cup matches after they were pictured taking varying stances before their defeat to Australia on Saturday.
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Board unanimously agreed on Monday to “adopt a consistent and united stance against racism”.
South Africa later said they “noted the personal decision” of De Kock not to take a knee and will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps.
De Kock has not taken part in any of South Africa’s gestures of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, saying in June it was down to his “own, personal opinion”.
CSA said concerns had been raised that 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”.
A statement said: “After considering all relevant issues, including the position of the players, the Board felt that it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given SA’s history.”
?? 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
CSA board chairperson Lawson Naidoo added: “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.”
South Africa made one change for the West Indies meeting from the Australia defeat, with Reeza Hendricks replacing De Kock.
‘It makes De Kock look like a pariah in that team’
Sky Sports Cricket commentator and former England captain Michael Atherton:
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Quinton de Kock’s refusal to take a knee and his withdrawal from South Africa’s T20 World Cup match with the West Indies makes him look like a pariah in the team, according to Michael Atherton.
“It’s extremely sad that South Africa haven’t managed to find a way of showing a united stance against racism, especially given the nature of the country’s past.
“It’s also sad in my view that it hasn’t been driven by the team and that there’s been a directive from above – much better to be driven by the team. Once the team drives and the captain and the players drive it, I can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t take the knee. Why wouldn’t you do it in support of anti-racism and in support of your team-mates? It was a dramatic start to that game, nobody was expecting it, and a sad outcome.
“It makes him look like a pariah in that team. The rest of the team have taken the knee. That country has a terrible past and they’re trying to move on from that and this is one way of moving on, to show a united stance against racism. Quinton de Kock has decided not to do that so I’m afraid it makes him look like a pariah in that team.
“Either he’s going to have to dramatically change his opinion or the other 14 or 15 South African players will have to change their opinions, so something will have to give. What will happen in the future? Your guess is as good as mine.”