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The summer of 2020 saw the formation and rise of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Inevitably, the relevance spread to sports as well, particularly cricket.
If we think back a little, we remember Michael Holding’s iconic monologue on the issue live on air and the entire West Indies team wearing the BLM symbol on their shirts during their tour of England.
Since then, most sportsmen including cricketers have been seen taking the knee before matches. South Africa’s stance on the issue is of even greater importance due to the country’s history with apartheid and widespread racism.
South Africa’s match against Australia saw some controversy from the get-go. Some cricketers were seen taking the knee while others such as David Miller, Aiden Markram and Dwaine Pretorious raised their fists while standing up.
Quinton De Kock, Anrich Nortje and Henrich Klaasen were seen doing nothing at all, standing with their arms behind their back while the others continued.
South Africa cricket issued a directive afterwards, stating that the difference in gestures by the players gives the public an image of disparity and turmoil in the dressing room.
The board further instructed all the players to take the knee in the remaining matches and show solidarity with the BLM movement in a united manner.
Today, Temba Bavuma came out during the toss and mentioned that Quinton De Kock had made himself unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. Immediately, that sparked some doubt in the minds of those who were following the story.
A senior cricketer and former captain, De Kock is quite unlikely to make such a decision in an important match unless there was a significant problem.
Reports by leading media outlets and Cricket South Africa’s statement point towards the possibility that De Kock does not agree with being forced to take the knee.
Last June, he publicly stated that he does not believe in taking the knee and that is his “personal opinion.” It seems as if South Africa are still suffering from the hangover of that particular statement.
The next few hours and days will be important to understand whether De Kock will feature in the rest of the tournament or either Cricket South Africa or Quinton De Kock will change their stance and approach.