South Africa opener Quinton de Kock pulls out of T20 World Cup match due to ‘personal reasons’

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable for South Africa’s T20 World Cup match against West Indies, shortly after their board told them to take the knee for the remainder of the tournament.

Cricket South Africa were forced to react after the team chose different methods to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement ahead of their five-wicket defeat by Australia.

Some of the Proteas side took the knee on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, while others stood on their feet and raised their fists.

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable against West Indies

Cricket South Africa have ordered their players to take the knee following their disjointed support of the Black Lives Matter movement against Australia (above)

That left CSA no choice but to order all Proteas players to adopt a take the knee before each of their remaining World Cup matches.

But speaking at the toss ahead of Tuesday’s match against Kieron Pollard’s men, captain Temba Bavuma revealed opener de Kock had pulled out of the game due to ‘personal reasons’.  

The Proteas and their West Indies counterparts did all take the knee in Dubai, but the news about de Kock means Heinrich Klaasen is keeping wicket for South Africa, while Reeza Hendricks was brought in to open the batting alongside Bavuma. 

The Proteas appeared to have also paid the price for de Kock’s decision on the field, with Klaasen dropping the first chance that came his way when Lendl Simmons edged the ball to him off Anrich Nortje.

But speaking at the toss, skipper Temba Bavuma (R) revealed de Kock (L) had withdrawn for ‘personal reasons’

Both West Indies and Proteas players took the knee before their group match in Dubai

Speaking on commentary for the game, former Zimbabwe international Pommie Mbangwa said: ‘The lack of support for the initiative essentially means lack of support for people of colour within the team, in South Africa and in the world as a whole. 

‘Excuse me if I sound political, but I can’t shed the colour of my skin.’

He also spoke of the ‘need’ for South Africa to ‘at least’ be ‘united’ on something ‘the world agrees on’, because ‘this is a country with a history of racism and exclusion.’ 

Meanwhile, former West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy added: ‘As my mother always said, you’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything.

‘Sometimes I don’t understand: why is it so difficult to support this movement, if you understand what it stands for?’ 

Indian cricket commentator and journalist Harsha Bhogle meanwhile said he feels de Kock may never play for his country again.

Pommie Mbangwa (back) hit out at de Kock, saying: ‘I can’t shed the colour of my skin’

Former West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy (R) spoke out against de Kock’s actions

‘I fear we haven’t heard the last of the de Kock issue,’ he tweeted. ‘I won’t be surprised if we don’t see him in a Proteas shirt again.’

Tensions on the issue for South Africa have been ongoing since November last year, when the team said they had given themselves three options to show their support for the fight for social justice, including kneeling, raising a fist, or standing to attention. 

Former skipper de Kock however has chosen to ignore those options since they were introduced, having stood with his hands behind his back on many occasions while his team-mates adopted the various options made available to them.

The wicketkeeper-batsman however refused to explain the reasons behind his decision in June during a Test series against West Indies.

Tensions on the issue for South Africa have been ongoing since November last year

He said: ‘My reason? I’ll keep it to myself. It’s my own, personal opinion. It’s everyone’s decision; no-one’s forced to do anything, not in life. That’s the way I see things.’

But the CSA board have now forced the players’ hand with a statement published on Tuesday, which read: ‘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 South Africa’s history. 

‘Several other teams at the World Cup have adopted a consistent stance against the issue, and the board felt it is time for all South Africa players to do the same.’

De Kock however has chosen to stand while his team-mates adopted different methods

Speaking on Tuesday, CSA board chairperson Lawson Naidoo added via Times Live: ‘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.’