Reports: BBL club approaches Quinton de Kock as IPL and international cricket axe looms

In what can be called a significant development, Quinton de Kock might receive a shocking lifeline from Australia’s primary T20 tournament, Big Bash League (BBL). The South African wicketkeeper-batter ignited a controversy by pulling out of his side’s T20 World Cup 2021 fixture against West Indies. De Kock apparently took the decision after Cricket South Africa made it compulsory for players to take a knee before the match in order to showcase solidarity towards the Black Lives Matter (BLM) moment.

Although team skipper Temba Bavuma said he respects De Kock’s decision, there’s a possibility of the southpaw not representing South Africa ever again in international cricket. He is even unlikely to take part in the remainder of the tournament. Amidst this controversy, at least one BBL team has reportedly approached De Kock’s management in order to bring him in Australia’s top T20 competition.

The report, which was brought out by Daily Telegraph, even claims that Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians might also terminate its contract with De Kock over the cricketer’s bombshell move. This would leave BBL as the top-contender to sign the talismanic cricketer.  Meanwhile, Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins opined that taking a knee shouldn’t be made a compulsion. He also revealed his interest in bringing De Kock down under.

Quinton de Kock’s inclusion would be great for Big Bash League: Cricket Victoria CEO

“We encourage our players to think about the issues and express their views as they see appropriate. We would certainly be interested in a player of his caliber to come to the BBL. It would be great for the competition,” Cummins told News Corp. Veteran Australian opener David Warner also reacted to the reports while addressing media on Wednesday (October 27).

“That’s fast. Is that predicting he will leave South Africa?” reacted Warner. Obviously, that would be great for the Big Bash. If the opportunity was there for him I’m sure he might take that. There’s obviously a lot of other leagues around the world that other South African players are participating in. It would be good for any international player to come down to Australia and participate,” he added.