South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, one of the leading cricketers in the world, has made himself unavailable for his country against West Indies in the T20 World Cup.
Cricket’s racial politics were in the spotlight again when South African star Quinton de Kock sensationally pulled out of a crucial T20 World Cup match after refusing to take a knee.
The drama began a few hours before Tuesday’s game against West Indies, when the South African board told their players ‘to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism’ and take a knee ahead of every match.
But de Kock – his side’s opener, wicketkeeper and best batsman – decided during the coach journey to the Dubai International Cricket stadium that he would not join in, effectively ruling himself out of the match, and possibly the tournament.
On Tuesday night, there was even speculation that, at the age of 28, he had represented his country for the last time.
At the toss, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma said de Kock had withdrawn for ‘personal reasons’. But after his side put the distraction behind them to brush West Indies aside, Bavuma admitted he had been ‘surprised and taken aback’ by the development.
He said it had been ‘one of my toughest days to deal with as a captain’, but added: ‘Quinton is an adult. You have to respect his decision, whether you agree with it or not. I can’t force others to see things the way I do, and neither can they force me.’
Bavuma said the South African board’s decision to impose their edict on the morning of a crucial World Cup game was ‘not ideal’. And while he described de Kock as ‘still one of the boys’, he admitted the dressing-room had not yet properly digested the implications of his stance.
De Kock is seen on the far left here electing not to take the knee before a T20 match against Sri Lanka last September/
Speaking at the toss, captain Temba Bavuma (right) revealed De Kock (left) had withdrawn from the match against West Indies for ‘personal reasons’
‘We have to find a way to move forward,’ he said. ‘The next few days will be tough for the group, but the guys will use the time to find out better [why de Kock made his decision].’ South Africa next meet Sri Lanka on Saturday.
West Indies captain Kieron Pollard, an IPL team-mate of de Kock’s at Mumbai Indians, appeared unaware of the day’s events, but said taking a knee was ‘something we feel strongly about as a team and as a people. We will continue to do it. Each and everyone has their own opinions on it. Education is the key. We don’t want anyone doing it to feel sorry for us.’
It is not the first time de Kock has gone against the grain. In June, before a Test against West Indies in St Lucia, he was the only South African to opt against the gesture, later saying: ‘I’ll keep my reasons to myself.’
Cricket South Africa quickly responded yesterday by putting out another statement mid-game, insisting ‘it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history’.
Up in the commentary box, former Zimbabwe seamer Pommie Mbangwa could not hide his disappointment as the match got under way. ‘Excuse me for being political,’ he said, ‘but I cannot shed my skin.’ Co-commentator Daren Sammy, the former West Indies captain, was equally dismayed: ‘There are other issues affecting the world, but I don’t understand why it is so difficult.’
The controversy comes not long after uncomfortable stories were told in front of South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation-Building Committee.
Among them, current head coach and ex-wicketkeeper Mark Boucher admitted he had taken part during his playing days in a team song in which spin bowler Paul Adams – ‘Cape Coloured’, according to South African classification – was referred to as a ‘brown s***’. Boucher said he deeply regretted his behaviour.
Given the determination of the South African game to move on from its past, it is hard to imagine de Kock will play any further part in his tournament, unless he changes his stance – though Bavuma conceded he was unsure how the next few days would play out.
Despite de Kock’s absence, South Africa managed an important eight-wicket win against the West Indians, who have now lost two out of two after being bundled out for 55 by England on Saturday.
Set a modest 144 after West Indies opener Lendl Simmons dawdled to 16 off 35 balls, the South Africans – who had lost to Australia three days earlier – were boosted by Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 51 off 26.
- Daily Mail
