Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has claimed that South Africa opener Quinton de Kock is not playing in the ongoing T20 World Cup match against West Indies because of his stand on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Ahead of the match on Tuesday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said De Kock made himself unavailable due to “personal reasons.” “Quinton de Kock has made himself unavailable due to personal reasons,” CSA tweeted.

But Karthik said De Kock was not playing due to his stand on the BLM movement.

“Quinton de Kock not playing because of his stand on BLM movement,” Karthik tweeted.

Quinton de Kock not playing because of his stand on BLM movement #BlackLivesMatter #SAvsWI #worldT20 pic.twitter.com/LqC76QKCL3

— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 26, 2021

CSA has unanimously agreed to issue a directive requiring all Proteas players to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism by “taking the knee” prior to the start of their remaining T20 World Cup matches.

Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative.

After considering all relevant issues, including the position of the players, the Board felt that it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given SA’s history.

Several other teams at the World Cup have adopted a consistent stance against the issue, and the Board felt it is time for all SA players to do the same.

“Taking the knee” is the global gesture against racism adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power sport has to bring people together.

CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo in an official statement said: “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.”

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“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 fulfil his vision of a united South Africa,” he added.

CSA said cricket is the second most-watched sport globally and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, being held in the UAE and Oman, is the ideal platform for the Proteas to highlight the national resolve to heal the divisions of the past.