Quinton de Kock withdrew from the South African team after learning it was compulsory to take the knee before playing ©Getty Images

South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock withdrew from action prior to his team's narrow victory over the West Indies at the International Cricket Council Men's T20 World Cup due to differences with players taking the knee.

The team were informed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) the morning of their upcoming match against the defending champions that they would be required to take the knee, an anti-racism symbol that has been widely adopted across all sports following the death of George Floyd in 2020.

De Kock has previously refused to take a knee, stand to attention, raise a fist or conduct any other signal that CSA has suggested in place of taking a knee.

The 28-year-old subsequently did not feature for South Africa.

A CSA statement read: "All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup. 

In de Kock's absence, South Africa took the knee prior to defeating West Indies ©Getty Images
In de Kock's absence, South Africa took the knee prior to defeating West Indies ©Getty Images

"After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history."

South Africa went on to defeat the West Indies with 10 balls to spare, as they lost just two wickets on their way to chasing down a target of 144 runs.

In the day's other match, Pakistan followed their historic win over India to topple New Zealand, winning by five wickets.

Led by opener Mohammad Rizwan and with more than 50 runs from Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali, Pakistan chased down New Zealand's 134 with eight balls to spare.

Tomorrow's action sees England face Bangladesh and Namibia play Scotland.