The West Indies cricket team will wear “Black Lives Matter” logos on their jerseys during the test series against England next month to demonstrate solidarity with the global movement.
Tourists will follow the leadership of English Premier League footballers during the three-test series that begins at the Ageas Bowl on July 8.
Relive the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup on KAYO. See full and condensed reps of the biggest games. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now and start streaming immediately
The move follows the death of African American George Floyd in US police custody last month.
The logo, which has a clenched fist instead of the letter “A” in the word “black”, was designed by Alisha Hosannah, the partner of Watford player Troy Deeney.
West Indian captain Jason Holder said the team continued to focus on winning the series, but there were major issues to be resolved.
“This is a crucial moment in history for sports, cricket and the West Indies cricket team,” he said in a statement from Cricket West Indies.
“We came to England to keep the Wisden Trophy, but we are very aware of events around the world and the struggle for justice and equality.
“We believe that we have a duty to show solidarity and also to raise awareness.”
Holder said athletes could influence opinion and be a force for change.
“We didn’t make our decision lightly,” he said.
“We know what it is like for people to make judgments based on the color of our skin. So we know what it feels like, that goes beyond the borders.
“There has to be equality and there has to be unity. Until we understand it as human beings, we cannot stop. “Deeney said he and Hosannah were overwhelmed by the gesture.
“Alisha and I are very proud to be asked and to take part in a monumental moment in world sports. This amazing decision by the West Indies cricket team to demonstrate their support for Black Lives Matter,” he said.
The players’ power was behind the Premier League’s attempt to put “Black Lives Matter” on the back of the jerseys in the first 12 games after the restart of the competition.
Footballers will also have the logo on their sleeves for the rest of the campaign.
West Indian head coach Phil Simmons is in self-isolation after leaving his team’s bio-safe location in Manchester for a short period of compassionate vacation.
Cricket West Indies confirmed that Simmons had tested negative for the virus twice since returning on Friday and would do another test on Wednesday before being reinstated.
The West Indies start a four-day warm-up match against England at Old Trafford on Monday.
Simmons attended the funeral of his father-in-law, who died before the team’s recent gathering in Manchester after receiving permission from medical officials.
.
