England to wear BLM logo in Tests
ENGLANd will join the West Indies in wearing the Black Lives Matter logo on their shirts throughout this month’s #raisethebat Test series.
The tourists had already confirmed they would be carrying a symbol used by all clubs since the restart of the Premier League.
England’s decision was supported by Test captain Joe Root and Ben Stokes, who will lead the side in next week’s opening match.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison made it clear the move showed support for ‘progress and societal change’ and it did not extend to explicit backing for any wider political aims.
The International Cricket Council’s code of conduct forbids players’ to wear clothing or equipment bearing political or religious messaging unless it agreed by the respective boards as well as the ICC itself.
On this occasion, all three bodies are unanimous about the action as well as the limit of its context.
It is understood the England squad will not take a knee ahead of the first Test.
Root, speaking on behalf the playing squad, added: “It is important to show solidarity to the black community and to raise much-needed awareness around the topics of equality and justice. The England players and management are unified in this approach and will use the platform of international cricket to fully support the objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists.
“The majority of us do not understand what individuals from BAME background have to go through when people make judgements because of the colour of their skin. As a group, we are learning about this and educating ourselves.”