Cricket South Africa quashes reports of Quinton de Kock returning home midway through T20 World Cup 2021

Dark clouds are looming over Quinton de Kock’s international career after he decided to go against Cricket South Africa’s directive. The southpaw pulled out of his side’s T20 World Cup 2021 fixture against West Indies due to his stand over showcasing solidarity towards the ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) moment. Ahead of the game, CSA made it compulsory for its players to take a knee before the match.

As De Kock didn’t want to follow the diktat, he made himself unavailable for the crucial clash. With this episode creating a massive controversy, reports emerged that De Kock might not play for South Africa ever again. It was also learnt that the wicketkeeper is set to return home midway through the competition. However, CSA has rubbished all such claims, saying the southpaw is still a vital cog of the national team.

Quinton de Kock is still a part of the Proteas team: Cricket South Africa

The cricket board also said an update of De Kock’s participation in the remaining competition will be shared soon. “There is no update on Quinton de Kock as yet. His statement is being finalised and will be shared as soon as possible. He is still very much a part of the Proteas team and has not been sent home as some reports have incorrectly stated,” ESPNcricinfo quoted CSA as per saying.

Earlier, CSA, in a statement, said that all Proteas players are required to kneel before the game in order to showcase their stand against the social injustice.

“All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to “take the knee” in a united and consistent stance against racism. This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together,” read the statement.

Meanwhile, team skipper Temba Bavuma said his teammates were taken aback by De Kock’s decision. However, Bavuma also asserted that he and his teammates respect the veteran cricketer’s decision. “Quinton is an adult. He’s a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision. We respect his convictions,” Bavuma, who is South Africa’s first black cricket captain, said at a media interaction

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