On the eve of the 3TC tournament in Centurion, Reeza Hendricks has replaced Heinrich Klaasen as the Kingfishers’ captain after the organisers lent their support to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Kagiso Rabada was originally named captain of the side, but had to pull out following the death of a family member.
“The decision came after organisers recognised and acknowledged the importance to walk the talk in matters of transformation and taking the lead from Cricket South Africa’s own policies and firm stance and support of the Black Lives Matter movement,” a CSA statement said.
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“It is important to stand by our convictions and to set the right example in everything we do,” CSA acting CEO Dr Jacques Faul said. “Cricket South Africa stands for equal opportunity and showcasing our country’s talent and its diversity.”
After Lungi Ngidi threw his weight behind the anti-racism cause, Rudi Steyn, Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar took issue with his statement on social media, sparking a big debate. Several prominent current and former South African players of colour have since backed the BLM movement. On Friday, Faf du Plessis also joined the movement, indicating that he, along with Dwaine Pretorius, will take a knee during the 3TC game on Saturday.
Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje and Marizanne Kapp were other members of the white Afrikaans cricket community in South Africa to publicly support the anti-racism cause.