Quinton de Kock Withdraws From WI Game After CSA Asks Players to Take the Knee

South Africa's team had never taken the knee together before this.

Temba Bavuma confirmed that Quinton de Kock is not in the playing XI for the game against WI in 2021 T20 World Cup

Image: Dinesh Karthik/Twitter

Shortly before the match against defending champions West Indies, South Africa’s cricket board directed its team to take the knee for the remainder of the World Cup.

“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. 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. Several other teams at the World Cup have adopted a consistent stance against the issue, and the Board felt it is time for all SA players to do the same,” CSA’s statement read.

Shortly after the statement was issued, South African keeper Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable for the WI game, citing personal reasons, Temba Bavuma confirmed at the toss.

“Quinny is out and Reeza is in. He (de Kock) has made himself unavailable for personal reasons,” Bavuma said who won the toss and opted to bowl first.

A little later, CSA confirmed that de Kock had missed the game because of his decision to not take the knee.

“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. 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’s statement read.

Quinton de Kock remember has earlier refused to take the knee.

Earlier on 12 June, during South Africa's Test series against the West Indies in St Lucia, de Kock refused to explain his inaction: "My reason? I'll keep it to myself. It's my own, personal opinion. It's everyone's decision; no-one's forced to do anything, not in life. That's the way I see things."

While South Africa have never taken the knee together, ahead of the game against WI, all the players of colour, some white players, members of staff, including coach Mark Boucher, Rassie van der Dussen and Kyle Verreynne, took a knee. Some other white players raised a fist while the rest stood to attention.

Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock, incidentally, did not observe any of the three options, Cricinfo reported.

Here's how social media reacted.