The much-awaited ‘Project Restart’ of the Premier League saw footballers don the ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo to stand in solidarity with the global protest against racism.
Spectators witnessed footballers kneel before the start of the matches to come in support for the Black community. Also, ahead of their names, footballers have promoted ‘Black Live Matter’ on the back of their jerseys.
Now, the West Indies team has decided to sport the logo in the upcoming Test series against England, scheduled to start on July 8, at Southampton.
“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. We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness,” West Indies captain Jason Holder told The Guardian.
“There must be equality and there must be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop. We have to find some way to have equal rights and people must not be viewed differently because of the colour of their skin or ethnic background,” he added.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) had to get approval from Premier League star Troy Deeney’s spouse, Alisha Hosannah who designed the logo.
Watford’s striker, Deeney, expressed his gratitude for being asked by the CWI in their decision to support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign.
“Alisha and I are immensely proud to be asked and take part in a monumental moment in world sport, this amazing decision by the West Indies cricket team to show their support for Black Lives Matter,” Watford’s number nine said.
“When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate to respond, because I know as sportspersons in the spotlight how important our efforts are to bring about change and the role we play in move towards change in our society,” Deeney concluded.
