I am not racist: Quinton de Kock says fine with taking knee, available to play for SA
Sharjah(PTI): South African star Quinton de Kock on Thursday made himself available for his team's remaining matches of the T20 World Cup, saying he is fine taking a knee if it "educates others" and that he was deeply hurt at being called a racist for refusing to make the gesture earlier.
The wicketkeeper-batter pulled out of South Africa's Group 1 Super 12 stage match against the West Indies in Dubai on Tuesday, his decision coming after the Cricket South Africa ordered players to take the knee before every game. The stunning move had led to widespread speculation about his playing future.
"I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit," he said in a statement posted by CSA.
"There always seems to be a drama when we go to World Cups. That isn't fair. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain. Temba (Bavuma).
"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 added.
Bavuma, the first black to lead the side, had offered support to de Kock after the win over West Indies and stated that "it wasn't ideal" to get a directive on taking the knee hours before the start of the match.
In his long statement, de Kock asserted that Black lives mattered to him due to his family background and not because of an international campaign.
"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better. I am more than happy to do so," he asserted.
De Kock explained that he did not take a knee before Tuesday's match because of the manner in which the diktat was issued to the players.
"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," he said.
"For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement," he said.
The 28-year-old said he felt his freedom was encroached upon by CSA but his perspective has now changed after having spoken to the Board officials elaborately.
"...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.
"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," he said.
"...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."
De Kock said he has been deeply hurt by the backlash.
"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."
South Africa next play Sri Lanka here on Saturday. De Kock is expected to be selected for that game.
"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," de Kock pleaded.
Quinton de Kock statement đź“ť pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 28, 2021
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Indian national stabbed to death in Canada
Ottawa, (PTI): An Indian national was stabbed to death near Canada's Ottawa city and police have taken one suspect in custody, the Indian mission in the country said.
The High Commission of India in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, said the incident happened in Rockland. It did not identify the victim.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an Indian national in Rockland near Ottawa due to a stabbing. Police have stated a suspect has been taken into custody," The High Commission posted on X on Friday.
"We are in close contact through a local community association to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved kin," it said.
According to CTV News, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said a shooting incident happened near Lalonde Street in Rockland just before 3 pm on Friday.
The site is roughly 40 kilometres east of downtown Ottawa.
Police have not yet said what charges the person in custody faces, the report said.
OPP said there is no concern for public safety.
“As we are just in the early stages of the investigation, there is no further information that can be provided,” the CTV News quoted OPP as saying.
