<p>Quinton de Kock has apologised for pulling out of Tuesday's Twenty20 World Cup match against the West Indies after rejecting a Cricket South Africa (CSA) directive that players must "take a knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before the game.</p>.<p>De Kock, who has revealed he has a mixed-race family, said he meant no disrespect and "would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again" in a statement released via CSA on Thursday.</p>.<p>"I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example," De Kock said.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/we-will-take-a-knee-warner-responds-to-quinton-de-kock-sitting-out-1044747.html">'We will take a knee': Warner responds to Quinton de Kock sitting out </a></strong></p>.<p>"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so.</p>.<p>"I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone. I'm deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused."</p>.<p>De Kock says his change of heart came after the players had a meeting with the CSA board on Wednesday evening.</p>.<p>"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.</p>.<p>"Since our chat with the board, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions. I wish this had happened sooner because what happened on match day could have been avoided."</p>.<p>De Kock also revealed for the first time that he is from a mixed-race family.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-pollard-says-dont-take-knee-to-feel-sorry-for-us-1044526.html">West Indies' Pollard says 'don't take knee to feel sorry for us' </a></strong></p>.<p>"My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mum is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement."</p>.<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman hopes to return to the team for Saturday’s third group game against Sri Lanka.</p>.<p>"I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba (Bavuma).</p>.<p>"If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again." </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Quinton de Kock has apologised for pulling out of Tuesday's Twenty20 World Cup match against the West Indies after rejecting a Cricket South Africa (CSA) directive that players must "take a knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before the game.</p>.<p>De Kock, who has revealed he has a mixed-race family, said he meant no disrespect and "would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again" in a statement released via CSA on Thursday.</p>.<p>"I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example," De Kock said.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/we-will-take-a-knee-warner-responds-to-quinton-de-kock-sitting-out-1044747.html">'We will take a knee': Warner responds to Quinton de Kock sitting out </a></strong></p>.<p>"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so.</p>.<p>"I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone. I'm deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused."</p>.<p>De Kock says his change of heart came after the players had a meeting with the CSA board on Wednesday evening.</p>.<p>"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.</p>.<p>"Since our chat with the board, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions. I wish this had happened sooner because what happened on match day could have been avoided."</p>.<p>De Kock also revealed for the first time that he is from a mixed-race family.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-pollard-says-dont-take-knee-to-feel-sorry-for-us-1044526.html">West Indies' Pollard says 'don't take knee to feel sorry for us' </a></strong></p>.<p>"My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mum is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement."</p>.<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman hopes to return to the team for Saturday’s third group game against Sri Lanka.</p>.<p>"I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba (Bavuma).</p>.<p>"If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again." </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>