The South African team found itself immersed in controversy midway through the tournament when the country’s cricket board (CSA) ordered the players to take a knee before their game against the West Indies and the remaining fixtures. Quinton de Kock initially refused to do so and was forced to miss the game against the Caribbean side.
Temba Bavuma, on his part, feels the pressure mounted on the team to perform the gesture was “a bit unfair.”
CSA had initially provided players with different options to show their support for the anti-racism movement. Players could choose to stand with their hands behind their backs or raise their fists. That remained the case until the World Cup, where the board decided to issue a directive ordering players to take a knee before matches.
Quinton de Kock’s refusal divided the cricketing fraternity, with some condemning the keeper-batsman and others supporting his decision. The 28-year-old later apologized and and said he would perform the gesture going forward.
“Our country has big, big, big problems and that’s where the energy should go” - Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma went on to explain that it was important people did not simply perform the gesture for the sake of it but strived to promote racial equality in their everyday lives.
The Proteas’ World Cup campaign ended in the Super 12 stage despite winning four out of five matches. England and Australia reached the semi-finals from Group 1 due to a superior net run rate.
0 votes
