South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has apologised after refusing to take a knee and says he is “not a racist”.
The wicketkeeper-batsman made himself unavailable for the T20 World Cup win against West Indies because he did not want to make the gesture.
“I would like to start by saying sorry to my team-mates, and the fans back home,” he said.
“If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so.”
Some South Africa players – but not all – took a knee before the defeat by Australia in their T20 World Cup opener, when De Kock scored seven.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) then issued a directive shortly before the match on Tuesday against the Windies that all players should take a knee.
“I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves,” added De Kock.
“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.”
He added: “I’ve been called a lot of things as a cricketer. 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.”
South Africa’s next game is against Sri Lanka on Saturday, 30 October and De Kock says he “would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again” if captain Temba Bavuma, who he called an “amazing leader”, and the team “will have me”.