South Africa cricketer Quinton de Kock has apologised to his teammates and fans for his act of sitting out in the match against the West Indies after refusing ??to fo?llow a Cricket South Africa (CSA) directive to take the knee before each match.

“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,” said De Kock in a lengthy statement.

De Kock said he understands the importance of standing against racism, and if a stance of tak??ing the knee helps educate others, he is happy to be a part of it. The 28-year-old further explained that he belongs to a mixed??-race family, and black lives have always mattered to him since the beginning.

“If me taking a knee helps to educate others and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so. 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. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit,” added De Kock.

De Kock said he was brought up in a way that everyone has equal rights, but there was ??some confusion in the manner through which the South African board had passed on the directive ??concerning taking the knee.

The Johannesburg-born mentioned the misunderstanding was cleared a??fter he had a brief and emotional chat with the apex board.

“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 are 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. 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,” De Kock explained.

De Kock expressed his g??ratitude towards South African captain Temba Bavuma and the rest of his t??eammates for constant support.

“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,” De Kock signed off.

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After Michael Holding’s moving speech in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement prior to the first Test between England and West Indies, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi ?had also voiced out his opinion on the trending topi?c.

N?gidi had appealed to his teammates to make a stand on BLM movement, especially when the squad meet in the next time.

“It’s definitely something that we will discuss once we are together in person. We have spoken about it, and everyone is well aware of what’s going on. It’s a difficult one because we are not together, so it’s hard to discuss. But once we get back to playing that is definitely something we have to address as a team.”

“It’s something that we need to take very seriously and, like the rest of the world is doing, make a stand,” Ngidi had said.

However, Ngidi’s statement didn’t go down well with some former South Africa cricketers like Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar, who urged the young speedster to stand for those farmers, mainly white, murdered in recent times.

But now, Ngidi’s former companion Hashim Amla and Cricket South Africa (CSA)?? have offered their suppo??rt to the right-arm bowler.

Amla wrote a lengthy message on his Instagram profile, thanking Ngidi and others who have “stood up for just causes in their own way”.

“The Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign has relevance for everyone. Why? In the Islamic tradition it is understood that the first man, Adam (peace be upon him), was of dark skin henceforth all of humanity have deep roots to this proud heritage and should have zero qualms in being referred to as black,” wrote Amla.

“This makes it even more transparent for the person who believes in their black lineage that the imagined superiority of whites over blacks or blacks over whites, or one nationality over another, is merely delusional. Yes, that’s right- nothing but delusional.

“However many of us, including myself have bore the brunt of these delusions and have crazy stories to tell which is why it makes it even more admirable to see exceptional youngsters like @lungingidi doing his bit to represent us all. Thank you, brother and all those who stand up for just causes in their own way-publically and privately.

“I speak for myself and those who share this belief that the end product of being racist is only self-destruction and social change,” added Amla.

CSA also issued a statement, ??supporting Ngidi and the BLM move?ment. It also appealed to other former and current cricketers to register their support for the campaign.

“We note the claims of discrimination and racism that have been made by current and former players and coaches, and we acknowledge that these are a part of the sport’s past, and sadly, it’s present. We have to face reality, as management and custodians of the game, that we need to come up with creative, tangible and meaningful ways to address this â€?even more, than we have done already â€?to make sure that they are not part of our future,” the statement read.

“As a national federation that is custodian to a sport that is loved and played by South African men and women, CSA is actively working to redress the inequalities of the past and to make cricket a truly transformed national sport of winners.

“CSA welcomes the statement of support for Lungi Ngidi’s BLM stance, made by 31 players and coaches, and the CSA Board and CSA Exco stand with this group, and every other cricket player, coach and fan that believes that there is no place for racism of any kind in cricket. CSA encourages more current and former players and coaches to do the same,” the statement further read.

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On Wednesday (July 08), international cricket returned after a gap of 117-days as England and West Indies began their three-match Test series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Before the start of the game, players from both the teams were seen kneeling down on one knee and clenched fists in order to show their support for the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.

The official broadcasters Sky Sports also covered the views of commentators regarding the whole BLM campaign. The former West Indies cricketer Michael Holding also dropped his?? thoughts about the matter which quickly went viral on the internet and got appreciated by cricketers, journalists, experts, and followers from around the globe.

Holding stated that society has not gotten over the problem of racism yet; therefore, it’s essential to acknowledge that ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement in the current climate.

“Education is important unless we want to continue the lives, we are living in. When I say Education, I mean going back in history. This thing stems from a long time ago, hundreds of years ago. The dehumanisation of the black race if where it started,” Holding said.

Following up his moving speech on Day 2 of the first Test between England and West Indies, Holding on Thursday broke down in tears while addressing the racism faced by his parents in the past. During an interview with Mark Austin, the Sky News re?porter, Holding admitted that he was thinking about his parents when he became emotional.

“To be honest, that emotional part came when I started thinking of my parents. And it’s coming again now,” said Holding.

Holding took a pause, before continuing: “Mark, I know what my parents went through. My mother’s family stopped talking to her because her husband was too dark. I know what they went through, and that came back to me immediately.”

“Well, it’s going to be a slow process, but I hope. Even if it’s a baby step at a time. Even a snail’s pace. But I’m hoping it will continue in the right direction. Even at a snail’s pace, I don’t care,” Holding added.

“I hope people understand exactly what I’m saying, and exactly where I’m coming from. I’m 66 years old. I have seen it, I have been through it, and I have experienced it with other people. It cannot continue like this – we have to understand that people are people,” concluded Holding.

Here’s the video:

"Even if it's a baby step at a time. Even a snail's pace. But I'm hoping it will continue in the right direction. Even at a snail's pace, I don't care"

Michael Holding fights back tears as he recalls the prejudice faced by his parents.//t.co/iOm40vn1kt pic.twitter.com/BhYXRbtyd1

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 9, 2020

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The resumption of international cricket post-COVID-19 hiatus saw hosts England face off against West Indies at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.

The toss was delayed due to persistent rain. After a couple of hours of delay, England managed to?? win the toss and opted to bat first.

However, before the start of play, all cricketers went d??own on one knee to come in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter�campaign.

The match also saw the West Indies cricket team don the logo of the ‘Black Live Matte?r�campaign on t?heir jerseys.

All fielde??rs, bowlers and the English batsmen went down on one knee and fist clenched gesture for about 20 seconds to display their solidarity for the campaign.

The gesture ??is a common norm ahead of the start of play in ‘Project Restart�of English Premier Lea?gue (EPL).

Here’s the video:

England and West Indies players take a knee ahead of the first #EngvWI Test in support of #BlackLivesMatter

Watch live on Sky Sports Cricket now or follow here: //t.co/ZUqX1InU7t pic.twitter.com/avR3aFUiTj

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2020

Afte??r three overs of play on Day 1, light drizzles forced covers to come on and stop the game. West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel managed to castle Dominic Sibley who was dism??issed on knot. Before interruption due to rain, England were 1/1 after three overs.

Here’s the playing XI:

England

Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe ??Denly, Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler ?(wk), Dominic Bess, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, James Anderson.

West Indies

John Cam??pbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich (wk), Jason Holder (c), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach?, Shannon Gabriel.

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Cricket is finally ready to make its return in the wake of coronavirus as England and West Indies are all s??et to face each other in the first Test of the three-match series starting on Wednesday at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Meanwhile, the England cricket team will be seen displaying their support for the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement by wearing its logo on their shirts during the series. This decision was backed by Test captain Joe Root and all-rounder Ben Stokes, who? will lead the side in the first Test in the absence of Root. Before this, the West Indies had alrea??dy confirmed they would be wearing the logo.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tom Harrison made it clear that the support for BLM movement did not mean to fulfil any kind of political aims. The International Cricket Council (ICC) doesn’t allow players to wear clothing or equipment bearing political or religious messaging unless it is agreed by the respective boards as well as the ICC itself. In this case, all three bodies agreed, and that’s why players from both teams will wear the BLM logo.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board fully support the message that Black Lives Matter. It has become a message of solidarity and a drive for progress and societal change. There can be no place for racism in society or our sport, and we must do more to tackle it. Our support of that message is not an endorsement, tacit or otherwise, of any political organisation, nor the backing of any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity,” said Harrison.

Apart from wearing the logo, English cricketers will also show a gesture of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. England’s stand-in skipper Stokes confirmed the match would begin with an act of solidarity to the cause.

“There is going to be a gesture shown from us as a team in support of Black Lives Matter towards the equality in society throughout cricket and sport,” Stokes said as quoted by SkySports.

“We aren’t in any way, shape or form showing support towards any political matters on the movement. We are all about equality through society and sport. Not only has this been a period for us getting ready for a Test match, but it has also been great for us to have some educational chats as a team around this which has been really beneficial for a lot of our members. Mark Saxby, our masseur, has been at the forefront of that and he’s done an absolutely brilliant job,” he added.

The 29-year-old also?? stated that the diversity that the English cricket team carries is their biggest strength. Stokes said that his team can send a powerful message and educate people regarding the subject.

“I feel like a team that we have an opportunity to send a compelling message. I am excited as an individual, and the team is really excited that we can be a part of that. Without the diversity that we have shown as a team over however many years, and the equality that needs to be given, we might not be World Cup champions, we might not be one of the best Test teams in the world. We have a great chance to send a really powerful message and to educate people more on the matter,” Stokes added further.

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The much-awaited ‘Project Restart�of the Premier League saw footballers don the ‘Black Lives Matter�logo to stand in solidarity with the global protest aga??inst racism.

Spectators witnessed footballers kneel before the start of the matches to come in support for the Black co??mmunity. Also, ahead of their names, footballers have promoted ‘Black Live Matter�on the back of their jerseys.

Now, the West Indies team has decided to sport the logo in the upcoming Test series against England, sc?heduled to start on July 8, at Southampton.

“This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket and for the West Indies cricket team. We have com??e to England to retain the Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious of happe?nings around the world and the fight for justice and equality. We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness,�West Indies captain Jason Holder told The Guardian.

“There must be equality and the?re must be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop. We have to f?ind some way to have equal rights and people must not be viewed differently because of the colour of their skin or ethnic background,�he added.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) had to get approval from P?remier League star Troy Deeney’s spouse, Alisha Hosannah who designed the logo.

Watford’s striker, Deeney, expressed his gra?titude for being asked by the CWI in their decision to support the ‘Black Lives Matter�campaign.

“Alisha and I are immensely proud to be asked and take part in a monumental moment in world sport, this amazing decision by the West Indies cricket team to show their support for Bla?ck Lives Matter,�Watford’s number nine said.

“When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate to respond, because I know as sportspersons in the spotlig??ht how important our efforts are to bring about change and the role we play in move towards change in our society,�?Deeney concluded.

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West Indies�lionh??earted skipper Jason Holder, has demanded equal sanctions for racism charges, as to that which is pre??sently for match-fixing and doping violations.

During an ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo was subjected to racists remarks from visiting captain Sarfraz A?hmed. Then, the wicketkeeper-batsman was slapped a four-match ban last year.

Further, Darren Sammy was recently on revelati?on-spre?e after finding out that his teammates during his stint at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), used racist jibes.

Shortly after Sammy’s rant on social media, the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo stood in solidarity with th?e former all-rounder.

Gayle ?even took part in the ‘Black Lives Matter�campaign, giving weight by sharing their experiences subjected to racial abuse.

The world currently is facing waves?? of protests against ‘White Supremacy� ??using the hashtag, ‘BlackLivesMatter�

“I don’t think the penalty for doping or corruption should be any different for racism. If we’ve got i??ssues within our sport, we mu??st deal with them equally,�BBC quoted Holder.

As of now, under the anti-racism code ?of the apex cricketing body, International Cricket Council (ICC), a third breach of the code b??y a player could lead to a life ban.

A ban? for four tests or eight limited-overs matches dictates the sanction for a first offence by a player.

“In addition to having anti-doping briefing??s and anti-corruption briefings, maybe we should have an anti-racism feature before we start a series. My message is that more education needs to go arou??nd it,�Holder added.

Hol??der even conceded that he did not face any kind of racial abuse, but has second-hand experiences.

“I’ve not experienced any racial abuse first hand but have heard or seen a few things around it. It’s some??thing you just can’t stand for,�the all-rounder said.

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