T20 World Cup: De Kock withdraws from SA team as players ordered to take knee

Dubai - The decision raised eyebrows as De Kock had previously refused to take part in the anti-racism gesture

Quinton de Dock on Tuesday opted out of South Africa’s Twenty20 World Cup match against the West Indies ‘for personal reasons’ as the country’s cricket board ordered players to take the knee.

Skipper Temba Bavuma said the wicketkeeper-batsman, a former national captain, had made himself unavailable due to ‘personal reasons’ in their crucial Super 12 match in Dubai.

The decision raised eyebrows as De Kock had previously refused to take part in the anti-racism gesture that has become a regular feature in most sporting events.

“The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Board on Monday evening unanimously agreed to issue a directive requiring all Proteas players to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism by ‘taking the knee’ prior to the start of their remaining World Cup matches,” said a CSA statement.

“Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM (Black Lives Matter) 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.”

De Kock refused to take a knee in South Africa’s Test series in the West Indies earlier this year.

Eoin Morgan’s England took the knee along with the West Indies on day one of the ongoing World Cup and India and Pakistan followed in their key clash on Sunday.

The South Africans playing in Tuesday’s game took the knee before the start of the game.

Former spin bowler Paul Adams said he was racially abused during meetings presided over by Boucher which put the spotlight directly on the current coach.