India captain Virat Kohli said the team’s gesture of taking the knee in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement before the T20 World Cup game against Pakistan was guided by a communication from the management after the rival side agreed to pay a tribute of its own.
India took the knee before the match in support of the movement that began with the death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in the USA. Players of the Pakistan team, captained by Babar Azam, too paid a tribute by holding their right hand to their heart.
“That was communicated to us by the management. The Pakistan team agreed to pay their tribute towards the same cause, and then we accepted our side of things, as well. Yeah, that’s how it was decided,” Kohli said explaining the gesture after the match on Sunday night which India lost by 10 wickets.
Sportspersons, including cricketers across the world, have been taking the knee to show support to the movement. The Indian team was making the gesture for the first time.
England and the West Indies teams, along with the match officials, took a knee last summer during their three-match Test series, the first from the sport.
There were mixed reactions to the gesture. Here’s a look at some of them:
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!