Cricket South Africa has welcomed the apology and statement issued by Quinton de Kock after he agreed to “take the knee” as per the CSA directive for future games.
De Kock became embroiled in a controversy when he opted to withdraw from the Proteas team that faced the West Indies earlier this week.
The former captain made the decision after CSA’s directive to the Proteas players to “take the knee” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, but clarified his position on Thursday.
“I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told,” part of his statement read.
“Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided.
“I know I have an example to set. We were previously told we had the choice to do what we felt we wanted to do.”
CSA later responded with a statement welcoming the resolution.
“Last night, the Cricket South Africa Board Chair and two directors met with the men’s Proteas team and management to discuss the Board’s directive regarding ‘taking the knee’.
“The Board representatives clarified the Board position and engaged with the issues raised by the players. Following the meeting, the Proteas men’s team agreed to align and unify in taking the knee for the remaining fixtures of the World Cup campaign. CSA has also noted the statement issued by Quinton de Kock in which he too has agreed to take the knee and issued an apology.
“Cricket South Africa welcomes all of these developments. They confirm Cricket South Africa’s commitment to non-racism. Taking a united stance against racism is a moral issue, not a political issue. The CSA Board regrets that the timing of its directive earlier this week may have been unsettling for the players in the lead-up to the match against the West Indies.
“The CSA is fully supportive of the Proteas men’s team and its captain, Temba Bavuma, and looks forward to continued successes by the Proteas at the World Cup.”
