T20 World Cup: Quinton de Kock makes himself unavailable for the West Indies match in protest of CSA directive to men’s team to collectively take a knee – Reports

T20 World Cup: Quinton de Kock makes himself unavailable for the West Indies match in protest of CSA directive to men’s team to collectively take a knee – Reports

Quinton de Kock refuses to take a knee

In a surprise turn of events, former South African skipper Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable for selection for their all-important clash against West Indies. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma informed at the toss that de Kock has made himself unavailable due to personal reasons. Reeza Handricks replaced the southpaw in playing XI.

“Quinny is out and Reeza is in. He (de Kock) has made himself unavailable for personal reasons,” Bavuma said who won the toss and opted to bowl first.

De Kock was in red hot form in the T20Is. While he had a quiet second leg in the IPL, the attacking opener wasn’t dismissed under 20 in his last 10 innings for South Africa, barring their last match against Australia where he got out in the most bizarre fashion. De Kock making himself unavailable has raised questions over the internal dynamics of the team.

Quinton de Kock’s stand on BLM movement could be the reason behind his decision

Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock

South Africa’s first match against Australia saw a mixed reaction from the side over taking the knee. Since the BLM movement re-emerged last year the national team has not taken a knee together. This mixed reaction from the players saw Cricket South Africa issue a directive asking players to take a “united stand” on the matter.

“Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative,” a CSA statement read.

“After considering all relevant issues, including the position of the players, the Board felt that it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. Several other teams at the World Cup have adopted a consistent stance against the issue, and the Board felt it is time for all SA players to do the same.“

It very well could have the CSA’s directive which led De Kock to make himself unavailable for the match. Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik also tweeted speculating the same while Shane Watson blamed “internal issues” for the move. “Huge shock. There must be something going on internally,” Watson said on Star Sports. 

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