T20 World Cup 2021, SA vs WI: Quinton de Kock marks himself unavailable after CSA's 'take the knee' directive

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It is turning out to be a decent clash between South Africa and defending champion Windies in their Group 1 Super 12 tie of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. However, there seems to be a mild controversy regarding wicketkeeper-opener Quinton de Kock, who has marked himself unavailable for personal reasons.

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“Quinny is out, and Reeza (Hendricks) is in. He (de Kock) has made himself unavailable for personal reasons,” said Protea skipper Temba Bavuma during the toss. Although it might seem like a genuine pullout, reports suggest that it is not really personal, while it could be related to Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) directive of taking the knee before every match.

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“CSA board issues directive requiring Proteas players to take their knee for the remaining World Cup matches. Cricket South Africa believes success both on the field and beyond the boundary will be guaranteed if all South Africans stand united to build a new innings based on the pillars of inclusivity, access and excellence,” CSA had said in a statement.

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However, CSA later confirmed that de Kock had opted out for his decision not to take the knee. “Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to “take the knee” ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies. The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup,” it said in a release.

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De Kock had drawn attention last year when he opted to stand casually, with his hands behind his back, while CSA had given the team three options (kneel, raise a hand, or stand in attention). Speaking in his decision, de Kock had said in June this year, “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.”