<p>Quinton de Kock made heads turn when he opted out of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 clash versus West Indies, on Tuesday afternoon (October 26) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While the players took a united stance by taking a knee in the fight against racism in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, De Kock's absence shocked the cricketing fraternity.</p>

<p>While Temba Bavuma-led Proteas went onto defeat the defending champions West Indies with ease, despite no De Kock in the line-up, the wicketkeeper-batsman's absence made heads turn and hogged the headlines. The swashbuckling left-hander has finally released a statement on his absence and apologised for not taking a knee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, David Wiese -- a former South African international who is now representing Namibia in Pool B of T20 WC -- reacted to QDK's BLM row. During a virtual press conference ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, Wiese shared his thoughts on QDK's BLM row and told while responding to www.wionnews.com, "Look, I think Quinky has made a press release today. He has given his reasons. You got to respect that as a player regarding what he feels about it. I think he has put everything to bed and everyone knows why he&nbsp;did what he did. For me the most important thing is that whatever you decide, you need to decide as a team. Stand in unity behind racism. Whether it is feeling strongly about taking a knee or&nbsp;like the Pakistan team stood and held their hand on their badge. What you are doing to show your support to anti-racism, you just have to do it as a team, in a unified front. That's how I see things."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-sa-star-quinton-de-kock-apologises-for-blm-row-pledges-to-take-the-knee-424674"><strong>T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee</strong></a></p>

<p>In a release, QDK shared his take and said, "I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home.&nbsp; I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example.</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<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. I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don't understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. 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>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided."</p>
</section>


Quinton de Kock made heads turn when he opted out of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 clash versus West Indies, on Tuesday afternoon (October 26) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Quinton de Kock made heads turn when he opted out of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 clash versus West Indies, on Tuesday afternoon (October 26) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While the players took a united stance by taking a knee in the fight against racism in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, De Kock's absence shocked the cricketing fraternity. While Temba Bavuma-led Proteas went onto defeat the defending champions West Indies with ease, despite no De Kock in the line-up, the wicketkeeper-batsman's absence made heads turn and hogged the headlines. The swashbuckling left-hander has finally released a statement on his absence and apologised for not taking a knee. Recently, David Wiese -- a former South African international who is now representing Namibia in Pool B of T20 WC -- reacted to QDK's BLM row. During a virtual press conference ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, Wiese shared his thoughts on QDK's BLM row and told while responding to www.wionnews.com, "Look, I think Quinky has made a press release today. He has given his reasons. You got to respect that as a player regarding what he feels about it. I think he has put everything to bed and everyone knows why he did what he did. For me the most important thing is that whatever you decide, you need to decide as a team. Stand in unity behind racism. Whether it is feeling strongly about taking a knee or like the Pakistan team stood and held their hand on their badge. What you are doing to show your support to anti-racism, you just have to do it as a team, in a unified front. That's how I see things." ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee In a release, QDK shared his take and said, "I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home. I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example. "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 by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don't understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game. "I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement. "The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. 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. "Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided."

Stand in unity behind racism: Former South Africa star on Quinton de Kock's knee snub

<p>In South Africa's second encounter in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup, versus West Indies, Quinton de Kock's absence raised quite a few eyebrows after the Cricket South Africa (CSA) asked the players to take a unified stance in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While all the players took the knee, de Kock's absence made heads turn. With many teams taking a stance in the support of the BLM movement, in order to educate one and all to end the ill-practice of racism worldwide, the wicketkeeper-batsman's whereabouts surely hogged the headlines. After facing backlash and severe criticism, De Kock has finally responded to the controversy.</p>

<p>The swashbuckling left-hander has issued an apology and spoke at length about the whole matter in an official statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zimbabwes-pommie-mbangwa-criticises-quinton-de-kock-for-refusing-to-take-knee-says-i-cannot-shed-my-skin-424576"><strong>Zimbabwe's Pommie Mbangwa criticises Quinton de Kock for refusing to take knee, says 'I cannot shed my skin'</strong></a></p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p><strong>Here's QDK's statement:</strong></p>

<p>"I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home.&nbsp; I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example.</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<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. I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don't understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. 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>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"I know I have an example to set. We were previously told we had the choice to do what we felt we wanted to do. I chose to keep my thoughts to myself, and thought of the pride of playing for my family and my country.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"I didn't understand why I had to prove it with a gesture, when I live and learn and love people from all walks of life every day. When you are told what to do, with no discussion, I felt like it takes away the meaning. If I was racist, I could easily have taken the knee and lied, which is wrong and doesn't build a better society.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"Those who have grown up with me and played with me, know what type of person I am. I've been called a lot of things as a cricketer. Doff [dim]. Stupid. Selfish. Immature. But those didn't hurt. Being called a racist because of a misunderstanding hurts me deeply.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"It hurts my family. It hurts my pregnant wife. I am not a racist. In my heart of hearts, I know that. And I think those who know me know that. I know I'm not great with words, but I've tried my best to explain how truly sorry I am for making like this is about me.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"It is not. I won't lie, I was shocked that we were told on the way to an important match that there was an instruction that we had to follow, with a perceived 'or else.' I don't think I was the only one.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"We had camps. We had sessions. We had zoom meetings. We know where we all stand. And that is together. I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa. I think it would of been better for everyone concerned if we had sorted this out before the tournament started.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"Then we could have focused on our job, to win cricket matches for our country. There always seems to be a drama when we go to World Cups. That isn't fair. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba. People might not recognise, but he is a flipping amazing leader.</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<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>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-the-south-africa-of-nelson-mandela-ex-pak-player-reacts-to-quinton-de-kocks-decision-over-knee-order-424579"><strong>'Not the South Africa of Nelson Mandela': Ex-Pak player reacts to Quinton de Kock's decision over knee order</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma-led South Africa thrashed the defending champions West Indies, despite De Kock's absence, by 8 wickets to get off the mark in the main draw of the showpiece event in the UAE on Tuesday (October 26). They will next face&nbsp;Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following QDK's statement, he is expected to return to the Proteas' XI and take a knee as well.</p>
</section>
</section>


In South Africa's second encounter in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup, versus West Indies, Quinton de Kock's absence raised quite a few eyebrows after the Cricket South Africa (CSA) asked the players to take a unified stance in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

In South Africa's second encounter in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup, versus West Indies, Quinton de Kock's absence raised quite a few eyebrows after the Cricket South Africa (CSA) asked the players to take a unified stance in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. While all the players took the knee, de Kock's absence made heads turn. With many teams taking a stance in the support of the BLM movement, in order to educate one and all to end the ill-practice of racism worldwide, the wicketkeeper-batsman's whereabouts surely hogged the headlines. After facing backlash and severe criticism, De Kock has finally responded to the controversy. The swashbuckling left-hander has issued an apology and spoke at length about the whole matter in an official statement. ALSO READ | Zimbabwe's Pommie Mbangwa criticises Quinton de Kock for refusing to take knee, says 'I cannot shed my skin' Here's QDK's statement: "I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home. I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example. "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 by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don't understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game. "I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement. "The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. 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. "Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided. "I know I have an example to set. We were previously told we had the choice to do what we felt we wanted to do. I chose to keep my thoughts to myself, and thought of the pride of playing for my family and my country. "I didn't understand why I had to prove it with a gesture, when I live and learn and love people from all walks of life every day. When you are told what to do, with no discussion, I felt like it takes away the meaning. If I was racist, I could easily have taken the knee and lied, which is wrong and doesn't build a better society. "Those who have grown up with me and played with me, know what type of person I am. I've been called a lot of things as a cricketer. Doff [dim]. Stupid. Selfish. Immature. But those didn't hurt. Being called a racist because of a misunderstanding hurts me deeply. "It hurts my family. It hurts my pregnant wife. I am not a racist. In my heart of hearts, I know that. And I think those who know me know that. I know I'm not great with words, but I've tried my best to explain how truly sorry I am for making like this is about me. "It is not. I won't lie, I was shocked that we were told on the way to an important match that there was an instruction that we had to follow, with a perceived 'or else.' I don't think I was the only one. "We had camps. We had sessions. We had zoom meetings. We know where we all stand. And that is together. I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket for South Africa. I think it would of been better for everyone concerned if we had sorted this out before the tournament started. "Then we could have focused on our job, to win cricket matches for our country. There always seems to be a drama when we go to World Cups. That isn't fair. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain, Temba. People might not recognise, but he is a flipping amazing leader. "If he and the team, and South Africa, will have me, I would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again." ALSO READ | 'Not the South Africa of Nelson Mandela': Ex-Pak player reacts to Quinton de Kock's decision over knee order Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma-led South Africa thrashed the defending champions West Indies, despite De Kock's absence, by 8 wickets to get off the mark in the main draw of the showpiece event in the UAE on Tuesday (October 26). They will next face Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Saturday. Following QDK's statement, he is expected to return to the Proteas' XI and take a knee as well.

T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee

<p>Kieron Pollard, the skipper of the West Indies cricket team said that his side will "continue to take a knee" during the ICC T20 World Cup also as it is something that they strongly believe in. In a support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement, the West Indian players have been taking a knee and raising their fists before the start of games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Pollard said, "From my knowledge at this present time, I think it's something we're going to continue because it's something that we strongly believe in, as a team. Hopefully, we can just continue to show our support for something that I think is close to our hearts."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-shardul-thakur-replaces-axar-patel-to-join-team-indias-main-squad-420432">T20 World Cup: Shardul Thakur replaces Axar Patel to join Team India's main squad</a></strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup will commence on October 17 in the UAE and Oman and West Indies will begin their campaign against England on October 23 in Dubai. There have been talks that whether the Joe Root-led side will show support for the BLM movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about the same, Pollard said, "Everyone has their own opinions on racism and Black Lives Matter and all these things. So, I can't tell them what to do or expect anything, because sometimes when you expect things from people, you tend to get disappointed."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-no-respect-universe-boss-chris-gayle-slams-former-west-indies-legend-for-saying-negative-things-420426">&nbsp;'I have no respect': Universe Boss Chris Gayle slams former West Indies legend for saying 'negative things'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Again, sometimes, you just have to look at the man in the mirror, and if we think it is something that is very, very important to us, we will do it. And if the opposition thinks that as well, it's up to them. If they don't, (it's a matter of) personal choices," added Pollard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, England pace bowler Chris Jordan has said that his side has not yet decided on the issue. "Nothing has been discussed, really. We'll discuss it and if people feel strongly about it, we'll definitely do it. On the flip side, if we don't, then we won't. We'll have to discuss that internally and then take it from there," he said.</p>


Kieron Pollard, the skipper of the West Indies cricket team said that his side will "continue to take a knee" during the ICC T20 World Cup also as it is something that they strongly believe in.

Kieron Pollard, the skipper of the West Indies cricket team said that his side will "continue to take a knee" during the ICC T20 World Cup also as it is something that they strongly believe in. In a support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement, the West Indian players have been taking a knee and raising their fists before the start of games. During a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Pollard said, "From my knowledge at this present time, I think it's something we're going to continue because it's something that we strongly believe in, as a team. Hopefully, we can just continue to show our support for something that I think is close to our hearts." ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Shardul Thakur replaces Axar Patel to join Team India's main squad The T20 World Cup will commence on October 17 in the UAE and Oman and West Indies will begin their campaign against England on October 23 in Dubai. There have been talks that whether the Joe Root-led side will show support for the BLM movement. On being asked about the same, Pollard said, "Everyone has their own opinions on racism and Black Lives Matter and all these things. So, I can't tell them what to do or expect anything, because sometimes when you expect things from people, you tend to get disappointed." ALSO READ | 'I have no respect': Universe Boss Chris Gayle slams former West Indies legend for saying 'negative things' "Again, sometimes, you just have to look at the man in the mirror, and if we think it is something that is very, very important to us, we will do it. And if the opposition thinks that as well, it's up to them. If they don't, (it's a matter of) personal choices," added Pollard. On the other hand, England pace bowler Chris Jordan has said that his side has not yet decided on the issue. "Nothing has been discussed, really. We'll discuss it and if people feel strongly about it, we'll definitely do it. On the flip side, if we don't, then we won't. We'll have to discuss that internally and then take it from there," he said.

T20 World Cup: Kieron Pollard says West Indies will 'continue' taking a knee in support of BLM movement

<p>The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement took the entire world by storm following the death of African-American man George Floyd, under police custody, in Minneapolis on May 25. While there were worldwide protests, superstars from the sports world took a step forward and joined the movement.</p>

<p>While the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff, Israel Adesanya among many others taking to the streets to voice their anguish against racism, other players and teams took a knee before the start of matches in Premier League, Bundesliga and other top leagues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In cricket world, the England-West Indies Test series, which was the first international series after the COVID-19 break, set a benchmark as players, umpires and coaching staff took a knee before the commencement of all three Test matches. Sportspersons, who are an inspiration for millions, started to take a leading role in Black Lives Matter Movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Africa, a country which has suffered from racism for long, also took a stand for Black Lives Matter Movement, as players, officials and coaching staff took a knee before the start of their 3TC event, which was held in Centurion, and sent a strong message to the entire world on how severe the issue of racism is.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a></strong></p>

<p>West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, who was also a soldier for Jamaican Defence Force for over a decade, in an exclusive interview with WION, said that if required, he will take a knee in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cottrell is set to play for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2020 and will make a much-awaited debut in IPL 2020 for Kings XI Punjab, who signed him up for a whopping Rs 8.5 crore in the auction.</p>

<p>While Cottrell said that he has never experienced racism before, he knows the issue is for real and is completely against any form of discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have never experienced racism before. But I know it is for real and totally against it (racism) in any ways or form. We are all human beings and only thing I know to show is love. I don’t care where you are from. I don’t care what’s your skin colour. Only thing I know is loving others. I have grown to understand that some people are different but you don’t need to treat them different,” Cottrell who was the highest wicket-taker for the Windies in ICC World Cup 2019 told WION in an exclusive interview.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked whether he would take a knee in CPL 2020 or IPL 2020, the Windies pacer said if required, he will take a knee and won’t oppose to it as he is with the movement while citing examples of Colin Kaepernick and others who have done it on the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“About the knee, if required, I will, to be honest (take a knee). I won’t oppose because I am with the movement and for the movement. For once, you have the platform, where you can exercise your beliefs, there’s nothing wrong with it. I think that’s the best stage. Kaepernick did it. A lot of people after him did it. And it is something I don’t have a problem with,” Cottrell said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cottrell has been pick of the bowler for the West Indies in the limited-overs circuit as the left-arm pacer picked up 49 wickets in 35 ODIs. Whereas in T20Is, he has 36 scalps in 27 matches.&nbsp;</p>


The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement took the entire world by storm following the death of African-American man George Floyd, under police custody, in Minneapolis on May 25.

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement took the entire world by storm following the death of African-American man George Floyd, under police custody, in Minneapolis on May 25. While there were worldwide protests, superstars from the sports world took a step forward and joined the movement. While the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff, Israel Adesanya among many others taking to the streets to voice their anguish against racism, other players and teams took a knee before the start of matches in Premier League, Bundesliga and other top leagues. In cricket world, the England-West Indies Test series, which was the first international series after the COVID-19 break, set a benchmark as players, umpires and coaching staff took a knee before the commencement of all three Test matches. Sportspersons, who are an inspiration for millions, started to take a leading role in Black Lives Matter Movement. South Africa, a country which has suffered from racism for long, also took a stand for Black Lives Matter Movement, as players, officials and coaching staff took a knee before the start of their 3TC event, which was held in Centurion, and sent a strong message to the entire world on how severe the issue of racism is. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, who was also a soldier for Jamaican Defence Force for over a decade, in an exclusive interview with WION, said that if required, he will take a knee in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. × Cottrell is set to play for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2020 and will make a much-awaited debut in IPL 2020 for Kings XI Punjab, who signed him up for a whopping Rs 8.5 crore in the auction. While Cottrell said that he has never experienced racism before, he knows the issue is for real and is completely against any form of discrimination. “I have never experienced racism before. But I know it is for real and totally against it (racism) in any ways or form. We are all human beings and only thing I know to show is love. I don’t care where you are from. I don’t care what’s your skin colour. Only thing I know is loving others. I have grown to understand that some people are different but you don’t need to treat them different,” Cottrell who was the highest wicket-taker for the Windies in ICC World Cup 2019 told WION in an exclusive interview. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series When asked whether he would take a knee in CPL 2020 or IPL 2020, the Windies pacer said if required, he will take a knee and won’t oppose to it as he is with the movement while citing examples of Colin Kaepernick and others who have done it on the field. “About the knee, if required, I will, to be honest (take a knee). I won’t oppose because I am with the movement and for the movement. For once, you have the platform, where you can exercise your beliefs, there’s nothing wrong with it. I think that’s the best stage. Kaepernick did it. A lot of people after him did it. And it is something I don’t have a problem with,” Cottrell said. Cottrell has been pick of the bowler for the West Indies in the limited-overs circuit as the left-arm pacer picked up 49 wickets in 35 ODIs. Whereas in T20Is, he has 36 scalps in 27 matches.

Exclusive - Will take a knee in CPL and IPL, if required: Sheldon Cottrell

<p>"All lives don't matter until black lives matter," former South Africa captain and star batsman Faf du Plessis said on Friday, lending support to the fight against racism that has gripped the world with renewed vigour after African-American George Floyd's death.</p>

<p>Offering his views on the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, which found support in the ongoing England-West Indies Test series where players from both sides took a knee in the opening match, du Plessis said time has come to fight racism head on.</p>

<p>"In the last couple of months I have realised that we must choose our battles. We are surrounded by many injustices in our country that require urgent attention and action to fix them," the 36-year-old du Plessis posted on instagram.</p>

<p>Floyd became a symbol of the anti-racism movement after he was killed at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, triggering widespread protests across the US and the world.</p>

<p>"So I've remained silent, with the intent to listen, but not respond. Slowing down my point of view, but quicker to hear the pain of someone else. I surrender my opinions and take the knee as an intercessor.</p>

<p>"I acknowledge that South Africa is still hugely divided by racism and it is my personal responsibility to do my best to emphasize, hear the stories, learn and then be part of the solution with my thoughts, words and actions," du Plessis added.</p>

<p>This is in stark contrast to his past stance of rejecting talk of racism. He had said that "we don't see colour" when asked about Temba Bavuma's axing earlier this year.</p>

<p>"I have gotten it wrong before. Good intentions were failed by a lack of perspective when I said on a platform that - I don't see colour. In my ignorance I silenced the struggles of others by placing my own view on it," du Plessis said.</p>

<p>"A race problem is a human race problem, if one part of the body hurts ,we all stop, we empathize, we get perspective, we learn and then we tend to the hurting part of the body."</p>

<p>His teammate and pacer Lungi Ngidi has stated that the team will discuss a way to support the BLM movement when it has a chance at a group discussion. The players have restarted training after a prolonged break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Du Plessis said the BLM movement has his full support.</p>

<p>"So I am saying that all lives don't matter UNTIL black lives matter. I'm speaking up now, because if I wait to be perfect, I never will. I want to leave a legacy of empathy," he said.</p>

<p>"The work needs to continue for the change to come and whether we agree or disagree, conversation is the vehicle for change," he added.</p>


"All lives don't matter until black lives matter," former South Africa captain and star batsman Faf du Plessis said on Friday, lending support to the fight against racism that has gripped the world with renewed vigour after African-American George Floyd's death.

"All lives don't matter until black lives matter," former South Africa captain and star batsman Faf du Plessis said on Friday, lending support to the fight against racism that has gripped the world with renewed vigour after African-American George Floyd's death. Offering his views on the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, which found support in the ongoing England-West Indies Test series where players from both sides took a knee in the opening match, du Plessis said time has come to fight racism head on. "In the last couple of months I have realised that we must choose our battles. We are surrounded by many injustices in our country that require urgent attention and action to fix them," the 36-year-old du Plessis posted on instagram. Floyd became a symbol of the anti-racism movement after he was killed at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, triggering widespread protests across the US and the world. "So I've remained silent, with the intent to listen, but not respond. Slowing down my point of view, but quicker to hear the pain of someone else. I surrender my opinions and take the knee as an intercessor. "I acknowledge that South Africa is still hugely divided by racism and it is my personal responsibility to do my best to emphasize, hear the stories, learn and then be part of the solution with my thoughts, words and actions," du Plessis added. This is in stark contrast to his past stance of rejecting talk of racism. He had said that "we don't see colour" when asked about Temba Bavuma's axing earlier this year. "I have gotten it wrong before. Good intentions were failed by a lack of perspective when I said on a platform that - I don't see colour. In my ignorance I silenced the struggles of others by placing my own view on it," du Plessis said. "A race problem is a human race problem, if one part of the body hurts ,we all stop, we empathize, we get perspective, we learn and then we tend to the hurting part of the body." His teammate and pacer Lungi Ngidi has stated that the team will discuss a way to support the BLM movement when it has a chance at a group discussion. The players have restarted training after a prolonged break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Du Plessis said the BLM movement has his full support. "So I am saying that all lives don't matter UNTIL black lives matter. I'm speaking up now, because if I wait to be perfect, I never will. I want to leave a legacy of empathy," he said. "The work needs to continue for the change to come and whether we agree or disagree, conversation is the vehicle for change," he added.

All lives don't matter until black lives matter: Faf Du Plessis

England, West Indies take a knee in first Test as cricket returns in slightly different look