West Indies captain, Jason Holder had earlier said that Racism in cricket should be as serious as doping and match-fixing. He had called for stricter and harsher punishments for racism in cricket and now the West Indies cricketers are all set to wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo on their shirts to raise awareness against racism and racism in cricket. This logo was designed by Alisha Hosannah, partner of Waltford skipper Troy Deeney, ESPNcricinfo reported. The ‘Black Lives Matter’ emblem will be on the collar of the West Indies cricketers shirts during their Test series against England. This move was decided in order to raise awareness about equality.
ESPNcricinfo quotes skipper Jason Holder saying “We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness”. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already given permission and the logo which will be used will be that worn by all the 20 premier league clubs since the sport’s restart earlier this month. “This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket as well as for the West Indies cricket team. We have come to England too retain the Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious of happenings around the world and the fight for justice and equality”, Holder added. “As a group of young men, we know of the rich and diverse history of West Indies cricket and we know we are guardians of the great game and for the generation to come. We did not take oue decision lightly.”
“We know what it is for people to make judgements because of the colour of our skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes beyond the boundary. There must be equality and there must always be unity. Untill we get that as people, we cannot stop” he added. This series is going to be the first international series after the long COVID-19 break and the first of thee three-Test match series between England and West Indies in England is all set to begin on the 8th July. The move of wearing the ‘black lives Matter’ logo has been praised by everyone.