After sparking a furore by refusing to take a knee, South African star Quinton de Kock has backflipped on his return to World Cup action.
Quinton de Kock has returned to South Africa’s line-up and taken a knee before their latest T20 World match against Sri Lanka, just days after he refused to do so.
The Proteas star sparked a furore earlier this week when he pulled out of the match against the West Indies citing “personal reasons” after Cricket South Africa ordered all players to kneel in a gesture against racism.
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“All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to ‘take the knee’ in a united and consistent stance against racism,” Cricket South Africa explained in a statement at the time.
“This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together.”
De Kock later released a wide-ranging statement, apologising to his teammates and fans, while revealing how the past few days have impacted him and his family.
He said he didn’t want to be forced to perform a gesture he previously believed was a tokenistic act, but after discussions with CSA’s board he agreed to take the knee going forward.
The wicketkeeper-batter was included in South Africa’s line-up to take on Sri Lanka on Saturday night (AEDT), meaning he will only miss one game in the T20 World Cup.
South African won the toss and elected to field and all eyes were on de Kock when players from both teams and took a knee moments before the match got underway.
The 28-year-old removed his cap and knelt next to the stumps, looking down in deep thought.
Fans and commentators were pleased to see de Kock take a knee and hope the saga will be put to bed going forward in the tournament.
Viewers also noticed the Proteas made a concerted effort to appear united as a team, linking arms and singing the national with passion.
When confirming de Kock was replacing Heinrich Klaasen in the line-up, captain Temba Bavuma said his side had turned a corner after the controversy surrounding de Kock’s protest.
“The team is feeling much better than we were a couple of days ago,” he said.
“We’ve obviously had some time to get other everything that’s been happening.
“Quinton is in a much better state. But as a team we’re good. We’re ready for the game today.”
In his apology, de Kock thanked his teammates and Bavuma for their support, adding he hoped to be return to the team.
“I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba,” he said.
“People might not recognise but he is a flipping amazing leader.
“If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again.”
The 28-year-old said he respected the rights of all people but after previously refusing to take a knee, he had changed his tune after an “emotional” discussion with CSA’s board.
“The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. I was raised to understand that we all have rights, and they are important,” he said.
“I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told.
“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.”
Originally published as Quinton de Kock takes a knee in World Cup return following controversy
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