West Indies will continue taking a knee in T20 WC as we strongly believe in standing against racism: Kieron Pollard

West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard has revealed that the ‘Men in Maroon’ will continue their practice of taking a knee before every match in the 2021 T20 World Cup to fight against racism.

The murder of George Floyd in May last year hogged the limelight, and from then on, the West Indies side made it a practice to support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard stated that his team will continue taking a knee during the 2021 T20 World Cup as well.

Adding that the Black Lives Matter movement is something that the West Indies side believes in, Pollard said that this movement is close to his heart.

“From my knowledge at this present time, I think it’s something we’re going to continue because it’s something that we strongly believe in, as a team. Hopefully we can just continue to show our support for something that I think is close to our hearts,” said Kieron Pollard as quoted by Cricinfo.

Everyone has their own opinions on racism: Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard added that everyone will have their own opinions regarding racism. The 34-year-old opined that the West Indies side cannot force any other team to take a knee as well. Adding that the West Indies will do what they feel is important, Pollard concluded by stating that everything comes down to personal choices.

“Everyone has their own opinions on racism and Black Lives Matter and all these things. So, I can’t tell them what to do or expect anything, because sometimes when you expect things from people, you tend to get disappointed.

Again, sometimes, you just have to look at the man in the mirror, and if we think it is something that is very, very important to us, we will do it. And if the opposition thinks that as well, it’s up to them. If they don’t, it’s a matter of personal choices,” concluded Kieron Pollard.

England pacer Chris Jordan revealed that the gesture of taking a knee has not yet been discussed in the England camp. The 33-year-old concluded by adding that the matter will be discussed internally and then a decision will be taken.

“Nothing has been discussed, really. We’ll discuss it and if people feel strongly about it, we’ll definitely do it. On the flip side, if we don’t, then we won’t. We’ll have to discuss that internally and then take it from there,” concluded Chris Jordan.