South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock on Tuesday pulled himself out of the match after refusing to take the knee in support of ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. The wicketkeeper-batsman opted to sit out of the match rather than taking the knee in support of BLM movement.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on being asked about the unavailability of de Kock from playing XI, said that he has made himself unavailable for personal reasons. “He’s made himself unavailable for personal reasons,” said Bavuma at the toss before the Group-1 match between South Africa and West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Earlier, on Sunday match against Pakistan, India also took the knee before the match to raise the awareness about racism.

After the incident, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said that they have noted the personal decision by de Kock and said that the board will take next steps after the match against West Indies.

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. CSA confirmed that all the players were directed to ‘take the knee’ in a united and consistent stance against racism that its a global gesture against racism which has been adopted by sportsperson across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together.

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The board said that, it was crystal clear to take a stand on such issues, especially given the Africa’s history. The Board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, which did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism.

CSA also confirmed that players will continue to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup and thanked their players for taking a stand against such issue.

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