Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Board on Monday evening 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 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.
The CSA Board is actively promoting a holistic transformation strategy that embraces the diversity with which SA has been blessed.
CSA believes success both on the field and beyond the boundary will be guaranteed if all South Africans stand united to build new innings based on the pillars of inclusivity, access and excellence.
Meanwhile, South Africa have won the toss and elected to field against the West Indies in their second ICC T20 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both teams need to bounce back from opening defeats.
However, there was drama ahead of the match when Proteas captain Temba Bavuma announced that Quinton de Kock had made himself unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.
His withdrawal came just hours after Cricket South Africa issued a directive that all Proteas players adopt a consistent and united stance against racism by "taking the knee" prior to the start of their remaining World Cup matches.
