Australia’s Big Bash League has emerged as an unlikely cricket lifeline for exiled South Africa captain Quinton de Kock.
De Kock dropped a bombshell on the Twenty20 World Cup on Tuesday night (AEDT) when he withdrew from the Proteas’ match against the West Indies at the last minute.
He opted out of the contest after Cricket South Africa had instructed its players they must take a knee pre-game in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which condemns racism worldwide.
Sportspeople have latched onto the movement over the past 18 months and it’s now common to see professional athletes take a knee and raise a fist in the air before competing.
But de Kock boycotted South Africa’s World Cup after being told he had to acknowledge the movement by taking a knee alongside his teammates.
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There was immediate speculation he may never play for the Proteas again.
Less than 24 hours later, a report by an Australian media outlet claimed at least one BBL club has already reached out to de Kock’s management to gauge interest in playing Down Under.
Australian opener David Warner was asked about the scenario when he spoke to media from the UAE.
“That’s fast. Is that predicting he will leave South Africa?” Warner said of the BBL speculation.
“Obviously that would be great for the Big Bash. If the opportunity was there for him I’m sure he might take that.
“There’s obviously a lot of other leagues around the world that other South African players are participating in. It would be good for any international player to come down to Australia and participate.”
Warner was asked specifically what he thought of Cricket South Africa imposing the mandate on players to take a knee, and de Kock’s refusal.
The Australian team has adopted its own version, now forming a circle pre-game to recognise Aboriginal history and communities.
But Warner says Cricket Australia has never forced players to recognise any movement.
“From my perspective I can’t talk about what’s happening in their (South Africa) camp,” Warner said.
“In my opinion, for us at home, we take part in the barefoot circle. We recognise our indigenous peoples and condemn racism globally.
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“From our stance, we respect the decision of the opponents. The captains will obviously speak about it before we play as well, and we will take the knee.
“That’s my stance. I can’t go into the South African administration making their team take a knee. It’s obviously their decision.
“It’s a team thing, so we do that. We acknowledge it and we will reciprocate, two captains get together and if the opponents want to take a knee we will always acknowledge that and respect that.”
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