
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.
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.
"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.
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"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. I'm deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused."
De Kock says his change of heart came after the players had a meeting with the CSA board on Wednesday evening.
"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.
Quinton de Kock statement 📝 pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 28, 2021
"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."
De Kock also revealed for the first time that he is from a mixed-race family.
Also Read |Â West Indies' Pollard says 'don't take knee to feel sorry for us'Â
"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."
The wicketkeeper-batsman hopes to return to the team for Saturday’s third group game against Sri Lanka.
"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).
"If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again."Â
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