Quinton de Kock Refuses to Take the Knee

Ahead of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 match against the West Indies in Dubai, Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a directive that all players must take a knee before matches in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Quinton de Kock chose not to comply and withdrew from the match, making himself unavailable for selection.

De Kock's withdrawal caused a huge controversy. He was criticised for putting personal beliefs above team unity during a World Cup. CSA expressed disappointment, and the incident reignited debates about racial politics in South African cricket, which has a long and complicated history tied to apartheid.

De Kock later issued an emotional public apology, explaining that he felt uncomfortable with being told what to do regarding personal beliefs, but that he did not intend to be hurtful. He said the gesture reminded him of his mixed-race family background and the complexities of race in South Africa. He returned to the team for subsequent matches and did take the knee. The incident highlighted the tension between mandatory gestures and personal choice, and the unique pressures on South African cricketers navigating the country's racial history.