Quinton de Kock has apologized for pulling out of Tuesday’s Twenty20 World Cup win over the West Indies after rejecting a Cricket South Africa (CSA) directive that players must ‘take a knee’ in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
In a statement released via CSA on Thursday De Kock, who also revealed he has mixed-race family, said he meant no disrespect and would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again.
“I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example,” De Kock said.
“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. I’m deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused.”
De Kock says his change of heart came after the players had a meeting with the CSA board on Wednesday evening.
“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.”
“My half-sisters are Colored and my step mum is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.”
The wicketkeeper-batsman hopes to return to the team for Saturday’s crucial third group game against Sri Lanka.
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