South African cricketer Quinton de Kock has apologised to his teammates and fans for refusing to take the knee and abandoning them during a T20 World Cup match.

In a statement de Kock says he is happy to carryout out the anti-racism gesture if it helps to educate others, and make the lives of others better.

De Kock says he didn’t mean to disrespect anyone by not playing and adds that he is sorry for the hurt, confusion and anger. But sought to rationalise his actions saying he is not a racist and didn’t understand why he had to prove it with a gesture, when he lives and learns and love’s people from all walks of life.

He notes that if he was a racist, he could have easily taken the knee and lied. But says this would be wrong and doesn’t build a better society. In recent months racism in South African cricket has been under the spotlight.

Former Proteas players have spoken out about what left-arm pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe calls subtle, yet brutal racism in cricket.

Meanwhile the Proteas men’s team have decided that they will be taking the knee for remaining matches at the World Cup. It follows a meeting with representatives from Cricket South Africa’s Board who had issued the directive.

CSA says it welcomes these developments as well as Quinton de Kock;s decision on the gesture.

CSA notes that taking a united stance against racism is a moral issue, not a political issue.

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