#T20WorldCup2021 : After Facing Severe Backlash, Quinton de Kock Issues Statement , Will Take Knee In Remaining Matches

Picture : Twitter/ ICC

Under fire South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has explained why he decided to not take the knee ahead of their T20 World Cup match against West Indies on Tuesday in Dubai.

De Kock pulled out of the crucial Super 12 match hours after the players were told by Cricket South Africa that they had to collectively take a knee before every game at the World Cup to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

In a lengthy statement shared on CSA’s official Twitter handle, De Kock has said he did not, in any way meant to “disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves.”

“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,” the statement read.

De Kock says he will take the knee if it helps in spreading the message of anti-racism and makes the lives of others better. “If me taking a knee helps to 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 the way to a game,” it read.