Windies Cricketers To Wear 'Black Lives Matter' Emblem On Shirts During England Test Series To Express Solidarity, Raise Awareness About Equality

"We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness," ESPNcricinfo quoted skipper Jason Holder as saying.

West Indies Test Team

West Indies cricketers will wear a 'Black Lives Matter' logo on their respective shirt collars during their upcoming Test series against England to express solidarity against racism and help raise awareness regarding equality. "We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness," ESPNcricinfo quoted skipper Jason Holder as saying. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the nod to the Windies team for using the logo and the emblem used will be that worn by the soccer players of the English Premier League on their shirts since the league's resumption earlier this month. It was designed by Alisha Hosannah, partner of Watford captain Troy Deeney, ESPNcricinfo reported. "This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket and for the West Indies cricket team. We have come to England to 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 for the generation to come. We did not take our decision lightly. We know what it is for people to make judgments 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 be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop," he added. A three-match Test series between England and West Indies will mark the restart of international cricket next month amid the coronavirus pandemic. The first Test between both the teams will begin on July 8. The 'Black Lives Matter' movement has gained momentum following the death of George Floyd, an African-American, who died in police custody in United States' Minneapolis on Many 25.