DUBAI: Cricket South Africa (CSA) took notice of wicket-keeper batsman Quinton De Kock’s decision to withdraw from match against West Indies on Tuesday in light of their directive to ‘take a knee’ in support of Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM).Â
In a statement released after the happening, CSA said they stand against racism and will take action on the matter after receiving a report from team management.
“After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the Board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. The Board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism,” the statement read.
🇿🇦 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
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 26, 2021
“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,” CSA said.