The South African cricket team has said that they would not kneel before their matches in their upcoming fixture against England.

The decision was taken unanimously and the players said they were not forced into reaching it. Taking the knee before the start of a game in an act that has featured more recently across different sports to show solidarity and support for black lives. But rather than kneel, South African cricketers would wear a black armband for the games in support of the campaign against gender-based violence and the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the players have noted that their decision does not mean that they do not care about issues concerning racial discrimination or equality, which they are very much interested in, but would rather see how they can work to take actual steps toward such matters.

South Africa is one country where racial inequality still exists, although it no longer receives the support as it did during the Apartheid years. Even cricket as a sport is not left out as players in the past have cried against racial inequality and prejudice.

A statement by the players read; “Our decision does not indicate we do not care about racism, racial equality, or justice. Now, more than ever, we are committed to this work. As a team, we have unanimously chosen not to take the knee at the upcoming matches, but to continue to work together in our personal, team and public spaces to dismantle racism. This decision was taken by the team collectively, after deep dialogue and attentive consideration. This is not a decision compelled on us by either our management or our coaches.”

Cricket as a whole is taking steps to check racism and inequality in the sport. The English and Wales Cricket Board recently launched a commission for inequality that would investigate matters concerning allegations of racism to see how the sports can move forward.

Written by: Leon Osamor