The show of solidarity in sports for racial justice is international and still raging worldwide. The fight has now hit the world of cricket, displaying how polarizing the subject still is globally.
Recently, a South African cricket player was ordered to show his support for the Black Lives Matter movement by kneeling before an international match in the United Arab Emirates.
Refusing To Kneel
Hours before the South Africa Proteas’ T20 World Cup match against the West Indies in Dubai on Oct. 26, Cricket South Africa mandated that its players kneel to show solidarity with the fight for racial justice.
However, Cricket South Africa player Quinton de Kock refused to kneel before the Proteas’ match. He subsequently sat out the game against West Indies. He was the only player to make that decision.
Now De Kock is apologizing for the decision.
De Kock Speaks
On Thursday morning, de Kock released a statement to provide clarity around his decision.
“I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates and the fans back home. I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example.
“If me taking a knee helps educate others and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so.
“I did not in any way mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don’t understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on our way to the game.”
On Oct. 30, at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in United Emirates, De Kock was photographed taking a knee.
Was the apology a calculated move by De Kock? Read more on The Shadow League for details.
