By Thys Khiba
Johannesburg – The wicketkeeper-batsman, a former national captain,Quinton de Kock had made himself unavailable due to “personal reasons” as the Cricket South Africa (CSA) has directed all Proteas players to take a knee before all T20 World Cup matches.
The board of CSA has unanimously agreed to the resolution.
Concerns have been raised over different postures taken by the team before matches, as critics say this creates the sense there is a lack of interest in the Black Lives Matter movement.
De Kock refused to take a knee in South Africa’s Test series in the West Indies earlier this year.
“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,” said a CSA statement.

The national cricket team is expected to face the West Indies at the Twenty20 World Cup.
The decision is questionable as De Kock had previously refused to take part in the anti-racism gesture that has become a regular feature in most sporting events.
“A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us. 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.”
“South Africans were recently joined by people across the world in celebrating the 90th birthday of our revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu. What better tribute from the Proteas to an icon of the struggle for freedom in South Africa than to demonstrate we are working to fulfil his vision of a united South Africa,” said CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo.
According to the Board, they are actively promoting a holistic transformation strategy that embraces the diversity with which SA has been blessed.
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