Why did Quinton de Kock pull out of WI match?
South Africa's Quinton de Kock pulled out of their match against West Indies in the T20 World Cup. He withdrew from the match after CSA issued a directive that all players should take a knee before matches. Speaking at the toss, SA captain Temba Bavuma revealed that de Kock had pulled out due to "personal reasons". CSA later noted the decision of Quinton.
What is the matter?
Quinton opted out of the game hours after the Proteas were told to take a knee for the remainder of the tournament. Cricket South Africa announced the same after the side chose different ways to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Some of the players took a knee in the match against Australia, while others stood on their feet and raised fists.
'Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses'
"A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us," CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo stated in a recent release. "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."
Quinton faces backlash for his decision
On the issue, West Indies legend Darren Sammy said, "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?" Meanwhile, Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle feels de Kock may never play for his country again.
The recent statement of CSA
During the SA-WI match, CSA released another statement. "CSA has noted the personal decision by Quinton de Kock not to 'take the knee' ahead of Tuesday's game against the West Indies," it read. "All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to 'take the knee' in a united and consistent stance against racism."
South Africa have taken stand against racism
South Africa have vouched for the anti-racism movement (BLM) of late. However, the national team has not taken a knee together. In July last year, the players, support staff, and administrators involved in the 3TC event, took a knee before play. Before the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka last December, all South African players raised a fist.
What is the stand of other nations?
Australia, England, West Indies, India, and Scotland have taken a knee in the ongoing T20 World Cup so far. Meanwhile, Pakistan held their hands to hearts. Besides, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are yet to make any gestures regarding the movement.
Why does this story matter?
The Black Lives Matter movement regained momentum after the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, in the US. Of late, the sports community has shown solidarity toward the movement. Interestingly, CSA, in November, gave its players three options to show their support for social justice - kneel, raise a fist, or stand to attention. However, Quinton hasn't done any of them.
