Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

De Kock affair brings South Africa 'closer together'

South African off-spinner Keshav Maharaj described 'take a knee' rebel Quinton de Kock as a man of "calibre" on Friday and claimed the controversy has helped the team "bond and gel even stronger".

De Kock, one of South Africa's star players at the Twenty20 World Cup, sensationally withdrew from the team for Tuesday's game against West Indies after refusing a demand from Cricket South Africa that all players take a knee at the tournament.


After a tense stand-off, the 28-year-old De Kock eventually apologised and said he would be happy to join teammates in making the anti-racism gesture.

"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so," he said in a statement.

Maharaj insisted that the fall-out from the controversy, which for many highlighted once again South African sport's uncomfortable relationship with race and equality, will only make the team stronger.

"This has just made us bond and gel even stronger. You'll probably see a lot more energy than you have seen in these last two games," said Maharaj ahead of Saturday's game against Sri Lanka.

CSA ordered all their players to take a knee after pictures from their opening World Cup game against Australia showed them adopting various positions.

- 'Not a big thing' -

Some kneeled, some kneeled with a fist raised, some stood with a clenched fist in the air while others stood but with their arms around their backs.

De Kock chose the latter gesture just as he had done during South Africa's Test series in the West Indies in June.

"I think we've had endless chats about this as a team and we respect everyone's decisions and views and opinions. For us it's not a big thing," added Maharaj.

"We know everyone supports one another, and I think that's the way forward in this team. I think respect is one of our pillars, and I think that's where we all stand, too."

De Kock played in the first match, a five-wicket defeat to Australia where he made just seven runs opening the batting.

In his absence, South Africa beat West Indies by eight wickets.

It remains to be seen whether De Kock, who has made 10,000 international runs and is a former national captain, returns to the starting line-up.

"That's down to the selectors in terms of whether he starts or not tomorrow, but I know that if he does get the opportunity, he'll definitely slot back into the team," said Maharaj.

"A person of his calibre, we know what Quinny can do with the bat, and he puts match-winning knocks on."

Maharaj added: "No one is a racist within our team. We all support one another and respect everyone's cultural, religious and spiritual differences."

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less