New Delhi: South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock on Thursday explained his reasons for not taking the knee ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup game against West Indies.

“I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home. I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example. If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so,” said de Kock in an official statement released by Cricket South Africa (CSA).

“I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don’t understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game. I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused,” he added.

Further explaining his actions to not take the knee, de Kock said: “I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit.

For those who don’t know, I come from a mixed-race family. My half-sisters are coloured and my stepmom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.”

“The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. I was raised to understand that we all have rights, and they are important. I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told,” he added.

Prior to the match against West Indies, CSA had asked all its players to take the knee in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup game. Then Quinton de Kock opted out of the match against Windies, and an hour later, the board confirmed that the wicketkeeper had refused to take the knee.

Quinton de Kock statement 📝 pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 28, 2021

“Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner because what happened on match day could have been avoided. I know I have an example to set. We were previously told we had the choice to do what we felt we wanted to do,” said de Kock.

“I chose to keep my thoughts to myself and thought of the pride of playing for my family and my country. I didn’t understand why I had to prove it with a gesture when I live and learn and love people from all walks of life every day. When you are told what to do, with no discussion, I felt like it takes away the meaning. If I was racist, I could easily have taken the knee and lied, which is wrong and doesn’t build a better society,” he added.

Further talking about the issue, de Kock said: “Those who have grown up with me and played with me, know what type of person I am. I’ve been called a lot of things as a cricketer. Doff. Stupid. Selfish. Immature. But those didn’t hurt. Being called a racist because of a misunderstanding hurts me deeply. It hurts my family. It hurts my pregnant wife.”

“I am not a racist. In my heart of hearts, I know that. And I think those who know me know that. I know I’m not great with words, but I’ve tried my best to explain how truly sorry I am for making like this is about me. It is not,” he added.

When talking about the CSA’s mandate to take the knee, de Kock said: “I won’t lie, I was shocked that we were told on the way to an important match that there was an instruction that we had to follow, with a perceived “or else.” I don’t think I was the only one. We had camps. We had sessions. We had zoom meetings. We know where we all stand. And that is together.”

“I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa. I think it would of been better for everyone concerned if we had sorted this out before the tournament started. Then we could have focused on our job, to win cricket matches for our country. There always seems to be a drama when we go to World Cups. That isn’t fair,” he added.

However, it is still unclear that whether Quinton will play for South Africa in the T20 World Cup as the final call is left with the board and management.

“I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba. People might not recognise, but he is a flipping amazing leader. If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again,” he signed off.