South African wicketkeeper batter, Quinton de Kock had surprisingly pulled off his participation against the Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup against West Indies on Tuesday. Teams had to show support for Black Life Matters (BLM) by bending their knees before the start of the match. Cricket South Africa ordered its players to lend support to the BLM campaign which is an initiative to support all kinds of racism over the world.
However, De Kock opted out of the match against the Caribbean as he didn’t want to be involved in the gesture. Following this, the wicketkeeper batter was criticized for his action. But South African skipper, Temba Bavuma backed De Kock and said it’s De Kock’s personal choice, we have to respect it but his absence will be missed by the team.
“I guess a bit of both (got in the way and inspired) when the news (of de Kock) hit us, it did kind of take us back a bit as a team. Losing a guy like Quinny. he plays a vital role in the team, not only with the bat but as a senior player,” Bavuma said in the post-match conference.
Moreover, West Indies captain Kieron Pollard showed his support for the campaign (BLM) and said he wasn’t aware of the situation (the exact reason behind De Kock opting out) and everyone has their personal opinions on the matter.
“You guys know our thoughts on this matter. It’s something that we feel strongly about as a team and as a people, as well, and we will continue to do it,” Pollard said in the press conference.
“Each and everyone has their own opinions on it, but as I’ve always said, once you’re educated and you understand, we will understand you doing it, but I think education sort of is the key, and we don’t want anyone doing it for us in solitude or to feel sorry for us.” The 34-year-old added.
Along with the West Indian and South African skipper, the cricket fraternity has also reacted to De Kock’s surprise move. Former England player, Michael Vaughan backed De Kock’s decision saying that it’s up to individuals whether they want to be involved in the matter or not.
“Surely it’s down to the individual to decide whether he or she wants to be involved in any movement … A Cricket board should request players to do it but if that individual decides they don’t want too it should not stop them playing the game of Cricket,” Vaughan tweeted.
Furthermore, stylish Indian wicket-keeper batter, Dinesh Karthik was also astonished by De Kock’s exclusion from the match.
“Quinton de Kock not playing because of his stand on BLM movement (surprising emoji)”, Karthik tweeted after De Kock opted out.
Despite missing out the services of De Kock, South Africa beat West Indies by 8 wickets with 10 balls to spare and gained two crucial points.
