Cricket
South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday confirmed the reason behind Quinton de
Kock’s decision to make himself unavailable for the Proteas’ T20 World Cup match against the West Indies. The wicketkeeper’s absence was related to his decision to not ‘take the knee’ before Tuesday’s game.

Ahead of their fixture against the West Indies, CSA released a statement saying all the players will be required to take the knee before every fixture. de Kock is one of the few South African players who have not been taking
part in the gesture of solidarity owing to his “own personal belief”.

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In South Africa’s
opening fixture against Australia some players were seen kneeling, some
standing and others raising a fist. The board chose to do away with the inconsistencies
in taking a stand by directing the team to take the knee.

Cricket South
Africa’s statement read, “Cricket
South Africa 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.”

“All players had
been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to ‘take the knee’ in a united and consistent stance against racism.”

“This is
also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople
across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people
together.”

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They added, “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 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.”

A number of
teams in the world of sports have been taking a united stand against racism by taking
the knee before a match starts. de Kock’s decision has been met with scrutiny on
social media with several people contemplating the possibility of him never donning
the South African jersey again.