T20 WC 2021: Cricket South Africa makes it mandatory for Proteas players to take a knee ahead of their remaining matches

On Monday evening, October 25 the Cricket South Africa (CSA) board unanimously decided to issue a directive wherein it will be mandatory for all the South African players to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism. Under this, the Proteas players will thus have to take a knee ahead of the start of their remaining T20 World Cup matches.

There were certain concerns that were raised in context to the varied postures taken by the team in the support of the Black Lives Matter movement. It created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative. Thus, considering several pivotal points, the board felt that it was necessary to take a united and consistent stand against racism.

Given the history of the country, this initiative becomes furthermore important. Recently one has witnessed several other teams taking the initiative for the same. And the board feels the Proteas players too should follow the same. In their opening fixture of the tournament, England joined the West Indies in taking a knee ahead of the match.

After this, even team India came forward to lend their support to the Black Lives Matter movement. The Virat Kohli-led side also took a knee before the start of their match against Pakistan.

A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us: Cricket South Africa Chairperson

“A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us. Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism.

South Africans were recently joined by people across the world in celebrating the 90th birthday of our revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu. What better tribute from the Proteas to an icon of the struggle for freedom in South Africa than to demonstrate we are working to fulfill his vision of a united South Africa,” CSA Board Chairperson said as quoted in a media statement released by the board.

Cricket is a highly followed sport all over the world. It is the second most-watched sport globally. Thus, according to the board,  the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, being held in the UAE and Oman can be an impactful platform for the Proteas to solve the divisions of the past.