Quinton de Kock explains his stance to South Africa
QUINTON de Kock will be back in action for the Proteas at the T20 World Cup in the UAE over the weekend.
The 28-year-old withdrew from South Africa’s eight-wicket win over the West Indies in their Group 1 match earlier this week, after Cricket South Africa instructed the team that all of them had to take the knee before the start of the match.
Following a big outcry from the public, De Kock released a statement explaining his decision.
Following a meeting with the Proteas team and management last night, the Board of CSA clarified its position and engaged with the issues raised by the players. They confirm CSA’s commitment to non-racism.
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 28, 2021
Full statement: https://t.co/Am1Zmez0F6 pic.twitter.com/S7hkt164AG
It reads: “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.
ALSO READ: Quinny still ‘one of the boys’, says Proteas skipper
“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.
“I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused.
“I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit.
Quinton de Kock statement 📝 pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 28, 2021
“For those who don’t know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.
“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.
“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.
“I know I have an example to set. We were previously told we had the choice to do what we felt we wanted to do.
“I chose to keep my thoughts to myself, and thought of the pride of playing for my family and my country.
“I didn’t understand why I had to prove it with a gesture, when I live and learn and love people from all walks of life every day. When you are told what to do, with no discussion, I felt like it takes away the meaning. If I was racist, I could easily have taken the knee and lied, which is wrong and doesn’t build a better society.
“Those who have grown up with me and played with me, know what type of person I am.
“I've been called a lot of things as a cricketer. Doff. Stupid. Selfish. Immature. But those didn’t hurt. Being called a racist because of a misunderstanding hurts me deeply.
“It hurts my family. It hurts my pregnant wife.
“I am not a racist. In my heart of hearts, I know that. And I think those who know me know that.
“I know I’m not great with words, but I’ve tried my best to explain how truly sorry I am for making like this is about me.
“It is not.
“I won’t lie, I was shocked that we were told on the way to an important match that there was an instruction that we had to follow, with a perceived ‘or else’. I don’t think I was the only one.
“We had camps. We had sessions. We had zoom meetings. We know where we all stand. And that is together.
“I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa.
“I think it would’ve been better for everyone concerned if we had sorted this out before the tournament started.
“Then we could have focused on our job, to win cricket matches for our country.
“There always seems to be a drama when we go to World Cups. That isn’t fair.
“I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba. 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.”
De Kock will in all likelihood be back in the team as they face Sri Lanka in their Group 1 match at 12 noon tomorrow.
South Africa have thus far played two matches, losing to Australia and beating the West Indies in their group.
WEEKEND’S WORLD CUP FIXTURES
Friday
West Indies vs Bangladesh (12 noon)
Pakistan vs Afghanistan (4pm)
Saturday
South Africa vs Sri Lanka (12 noon)
Australia vs England (4pm)
Sunday
Afghanistan vs Namibia (12 noon)
India vs New Zealand (4pm)