West Indies Players to Wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ Logo during England Tests

The West Indies cricketers will wear a 'Black Lives Matter' logo on the collars of their shirts during the upcoming three-Test series against England to protest against racism in sports.

Skipper Jason Holder, who expressed his support for the cause that came to the fore once again after the killing of American George Floyd, said in a Sunday statement.: "We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness."

The ICC-approved logo, designed by Alisha Hosannah, will be the one which featured in the shirts of all 20 Premier League football clubs since the sport's resumption earlier this month.

"This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket and for the West Indies cricket team," Holder was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "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. 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 generation to come."

Holder, who wants racism to be treated in the same way as doping and corruption, said they decided to wear the logo after a lot of thought.

"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 said. "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."

West Indies players are expected to wear shirts for the first time this week's four-day warm-up match at Emirates Old Trafford, beginning on Monday. The opening Test of the series, which marks the resumption of international cricket following the coronavirus-forced hiatus, will take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on 8 July.