West Indies players to wear Black Lives Matter logo during England Tests

West Indies team is set to follow the Premier League clubs’ footsteps in the upcoming England Tests. Black Lives Matter campaign has been going on over the last few weeks since the death of the African American George Floyd. The Football clubs of the Premier League in England have been wearing the jerseys with ‘Black Lives Matter’ written on the back.

Similarly, the Caribbean players will sport the same logo used by the football clubs. It is designed by Alisha Hosannah, Wattford captain Troy Deeney’s partner. Cricket West Indies (CWI) contacted Deeney for his approval while the ICC has also given the permission to sport the logo on the collars of the shirt.

Speaking about the same, the West Indies skipper Jason Holder stated that it is the time for everyone to come together and fight for equality and justice. He also termed this as a crucial moment in the history of the Caribbean cricket and the sport. “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. 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.

“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. 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 said according to ESPNCricinfo.

We are immensely proud to take part, says Troy Deeney

Meanwhile, Troy Deeney has lauded CWI for taking this step and stated he and Alisha are proud to be part of the moment in cricket. “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.

“Watching cricket with my grandad, and seeing Brian Lara transcend from being a cricketer to a worldwide superstar, shaped my childhood, so it’s great to be able to help West Indies cricket show their support in such a meaningful way,” Deeney said.

West Indies are likely to wear the shirts with BLM logo for the first time in the four-day warm-up match to be played at the Old Trafford this week.