South African cricketer Quinton de Kock has stated about the Black Lives Matter saga that erupted during the 2021 T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter said he had no declination about his decision and considered the board members should have managed the matter well.
De Kock denied taking the knee, a universal signal to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. At the same time, Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued instructions for performers to take their knees just hours before the game against the West Indies. As an outcome, Quinton de Kock pulled out of that fixture, and captain Temba Bavuma cited personal reasons.
South Africa will be without the talismanic Quinton de Kock during the all-important clash against West Indies.
Details 👇#T20WorldCup #SAvWI https://t.co/VFMJ9Pc0eb
— ICC (@ICC) October 26, 2021
Talking to The Times of India, Quinton de Kock stated he wouldn’t have done anything another way and stuck to his opinion. The former limited-overs captain also conceded that the board put useless pressure on the team by giving them instructions on such short notice. He told:
“I would not have done anything differently. We all stand by what we believe in. I know who I am. I know I’m not a bad person. I’ve got nothing to hide. That’s why I wasn’t scared. I think the board members or whoever gave that directive could have done things differently, not just smack bang in the middle of a World Cup the morning before a game. The pressure was thrown onto the players, which was unnecessary. We had a lot of youngsters in the team.”
De Kock’s without did not derail South Africa on the day as the Proteas beat West Indies by 8-wickets. Heinrich Klassen changed to the De Kock behind the stumps.
“In all morality, we’re not natural-born activists” – Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock asserted that while players are not activists, they can create awareness. The 29-year-old considers sportspersons can act as influencers through their Official social media handles. The opener said:
“As players, we try our best to help out any way we can. In all honesty, we’re not natural-born activists, and we’re cricketers, but at the same time, we’re also influencers. Maybe we can’t change much in the communities, but we can help share awareness. Many people are watching us, watching our Instagram, social media, so where we can help out as influencers, we try.”
Quinton de Kock statement 📝 pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 28, 2021
The southpaw issued an announcement and excused all his fans for his refusal to take the knee, On October 28. De Kock said that he meant no contempt to anyone and promised to take the knee to support and educate others as we advance.