England joins Windies wearing 'Black Lives Matter' logo
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declared yesterday that England will officially join West Indies in wearing a “Black Lives Matter” logo on their shirts during the three-match test series.
West Indies had earlier announced they would be wearing the logo designed by Alisha Hosannah, the partner of Troy Deeney, captain of Premier League soccer side Watford.
Deeney was contacted by the ECB and Cricket West Indies and the permission was granted for the logo to be displayed on the collar of the shirts, in line with International Cricket Council regulations.
ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison, claimed that this is a move to display an anti-racism message supporting “progress and societal change”, and did not extend to be an endorsement of any political organisation.
“We are aware of certain aspects of the movement that promote their political views, and their actions are not supported in any way by the ECB and our players,” Harrison added in a statement.
“This moment is about unity. We are proud that our players will stand alongside those from the West Indies and wear a logo that embodies that philosophy.
“It is fitting that they do so in solidarity with athletes from the football world who wore it first.”
England captain Joe Root, who will miss the first test to assist the birth of his child, explained that the players were hoping to use the international platform to eradicate the still existing racial prejudice.
“There have to be equal opportunities and equal rights for all,” he pointed out.
It has been established that Ben Stokes will lead England in the first test against West Indies, which starts in a bio-secure environment at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on Wednesday.
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