Marylebone Cricket Club has announced an amendment to the laws of the game meaning the gender-neutral term “batter” will be used from now on instead of “batsman”. EPA/SOHAIL SHAHZAD
Marylebone Cricket Club has announced an amendment to the laws of the game meaning the gender-neutral term “batter” will be used from now on instead of “batsman”. EPA/SOHAIL SHAHZAD
Kieron Pollard, a veteran of the West Indies’ batting line-up, has said that ‘education is key’ when it comes to fighting racism – and he doesn’t want anyone taking the knee if it’s done insincerely. The big-hitter made these comments on Tuesday, after Quinton de Kock removed himself from the match due to a row about the gesture.
Taking a knee: Kieron Pollard ‘not looking for sympathy’
The Proteas team learned just hours before the game that Cricket SA wanted EVERY player to take a knee before each match at the T20 World Cup going forward, to support the Black Lives Matter movement. De Kock objected, and withdrew from the matchday squad – sending shockwaves across the world.
Kieron Pollard told the media in his post-match interview that individuals should only take a knee if they’re educated on the matter. The star batsman argues that there is no point in showing solidarity if you’re just feeling sorry for someone, and while he strongly supports the message, Pollard says he and his teammates aren’t looking for sympathy.
Kieron Pollard reacts to Quinton de Kock situation
“You guys know our thoughts on this matter. It’s something that we feel strongly about as a team and as a people, as well, and we will continue to do it. Each and everyone has their own opinions on it, but as I’ve always said, once you’re educated and you understand, we will understand you doing it.”
“But I think education sort of is the key, and we don’t want anyone doing it for us in solitude or to feel sorry for us. However, I can only really comment more on Quinton de Kock once we’ve got a clearer picture.”
Kieron Pollard
West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard said South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock’s decision to pull out of T20 World Cup game after refusing to take the knee for the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement came as a “news” to him and urged people not to speculate on the development.
— SANJEEV KUMAR (@sanjeevmediaNBT) October 26, 2021
West Indies T20 World Cup dream in the balance
Defending champions West Indies lost their second successive match of the tournament after going down to South Africa by eight wickets. Opener Evin Lewis hit 56 to guide West Indies to 143-8 in an innings that suffered from the loss of wickets at regular intervals and saw opener Lendl Simmons hit a bizarre 16 from 35 balls.
They are in a must-win situation to have any chance of making the semi-finals of the tournament. West Indies next play Bangladesh on Friday in Sharjah, a day before South Africa clash with Sri Lanka at the same venue.
