Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding has criticized England and Australia for failing to kneel in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement during his ongoing series of limited. England used “Black Lives Matter” logos on their jerseys during their test series against the West Indies and knelt to protest against racism, but chose not to continue the practice in subsequent series against Pakistan and Australia.
“Now that the West Indies team has gone home, that doesn’t mean they still don’t have to respect the message and what it stands for,” Holding told Sky Sports.
“Yes, (racism) is more acute in the United States than in most other places, but people around the world took it upon themselves to spread the word and spread this message that it is time for equality and equality. egalitarian justice.
“It was no longer just a black versus white issue … so for Pakistan and England they didn’t take that signal … neither team did and the ECB came out with a pretty lame statement, as far as I’m concerned. . “
The Cricket Board of England and Wales (ECB) said in response that it was committed to “long-term and sustainable change” and had launched “initiatives that focus on eliminating discrimination in all areas of cricket.”
Before the current series began, Australia captain Aaron Finch said his team would not kneel because “education is more important than protest.”
Holding disagreed with Finch, saying that awareness and education were important tools in the fight for equality.
“(Finch) says he’s happy to be a part of a sport that no one is forbidden to play in, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion,” Holding added.
“Well, I don’t know of any sport where someone is prohibited from playing for any reason. So that’s a pretty silly statement.
“I am not here to try to force people to do what they don’t want to do. If you think you don’t need to sympathize and acknowledge the movement, say so. Don’t think of silly excuses. “
Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has also spoken out in favor of equality, urging cricket’s governing bodies to treat racism more seriously and give it the same attention they pay to defending the integrity of the game. .
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