England have announced that their jerseys for the next series of three tests against the Antilles will feature the Black Lives Matter logo. The move reflects what the West Indies have already taken in calling for the design of Alisha Hosannah, a partner in Premier League footballer Troy Deeney.
The decision was made by the ECB, fully backed by England players led by Joe Root, the Test captain, and Ben Stokes, who will replace him during the first Test at the Ageas Bowl, starting July 8.
“It is important to show solidarity with the black community and create a much-needed awareness of equality and justice issues,” said Root. “England’s players and management are unified in this approach and will use the international cricket platform to fully support the goal of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists.
“Most of us don’t understand what people with a BAME background have to go through when people make judgments because of their skin color. As a group, we are learning about this and educating ourselves.”
“There must be equal opportunities and equal rights for all. We hope that by adopting this stance we can play our role as a team shoulder to shoulder and we hope that by continuing to raise awareness we can advance towards a society in which the color of your skin and your Fund does not influence your opportunities.
“It is very simple, we believe that there is no place for racism or any form of discrimination, anywhere.”
Tom Harrison, Executive Director of the ECB, added: “The England and Wales Cricket Board fully supports the message that Black Lives Matter has become a message of solidarity and a drive for progress and social change. There can be no place for racism in society or our sport, and we must do more to tackle it.
ALSO READ: The West Indies will wear the Black Lives Matter logo during testing
“Our support for that message is not an endorsement, tacit or otherwise, of any political organization, nor the endorsement of any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity. We are aware of certain aspects of the movement that promote their own political views, and their actions are in no way endorsed by the ECB and our players.
“This moment is about unity. We are proud that our players stand alongside those of the West Indies and wear a logo that embodies that philosophy. It is appropriate that they do so in solidarity with the athletes from the world of football who used it first.” . Our thanks to Troy Deeney and his partner Alisha Hosannah, creator of the logo, who generously agreed to share it with us.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that cricket is truly a game for everyone. We will shortly establish more steps that build on the work we have already done to make cricket more inclusive and diverse to address some of the barriers that still exist. for some communities. “
Deeney added: “Alisha and I are immensely proud that we are being asked and participate in a monumental moment in world sport, this incredible decision by the England and West Indies cricket teams to show their support for Black Lives Matter.”
“When I received the call, I did not hesitate to answer, because I know that as athletes in the spotlight, how important are our efforts to achieve change and the role we play in advancing towards change in our society. Seeing cricket with me Grandpa shaped my childhood, so it’s great to be able to help England and the West Indies Cricket show their support in such a meaningful way. “
.
