South Africa’s cricket T20 World Cup team was thrown into disarray on Tuesday with the departure of star wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock in protest at being forced to take the knee.
A photograph has made the rounds showing some South African players standing when others took the knee.
Captain Temba Bavuma is on record as saying taking the knee was an individual choice.
De Kock was one of the players who did not take the knee in the photograph taken at the ongoing tournament in Dubai.
Reacting to De Kock’s decision not to play for the Proteas, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said it had instructed all players to take the knee.
CSA said it had noted the “personal decision” by De Kock “not to take the knee ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies”.
“After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players the board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given South Africa’s history,” said CSA.
“CSA thanks all other Proteas players for agreeing to unite and make such an important public stand against racism.”
