De Kock and his South Africa team-mates were instructed on the morning of their Tuesday (October 26) match against the West Indies to take the knee.

The 28-year-old refused and withdrew from the team.

He has now apologised and said he will do so in future matches, meaning he will be available for selection for South Africa throughout the tournament, but cited his unhappiness at being forced to take the action.

"I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates and the fans back home," he said in a statement published on social media. 

"I never wanted to make this a Quinton issue."

He added: "If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so," and insisted that he is not racist, admitting such accusations hurt him deeply.

De Kock's refusal to take the knee, he claims, is because his "rights" were taken away from him due to Cricket South Africa enforcing the rule.

Referencing his family situation, which includes black and mixed-race members, de Kock said: "I've been called a lot of things as a cricketer.

"Doff, stupid, selfish, immature. 

"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."

In the only match of the day, Australia eased to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka, chasing down 154 with 18 balls to spare.

Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa all took two wickets apiece, while opening pair David Warner and captain Aaron Finch combined for 102 runs - 65 and 37 respectively - to secure a comfortable victory for one of the pre-tournament favourites. 

Competition continues tomorrow as Bangladesh face the West Indies and Afghanistan play Pakistan.

South Africa's next match - and potentially de Kock's - is on Saturday (October 30) against Sri Lanka.