ECB Defends Stand After Michael Holding Criticism Over BLM Movement

Michael Holding, the West Indies legend, has been vocal about the Black Lives Matter movement. He has shared his opinions and also broke down while sharing his experiences. Holding was critical of England and Australia as they decided against supporting the movement in the ongoing limited-overs series.

England had supported the movement during their series against the West Indies. Holding feels that the West Indies has gone home but that doesn’t means England will stop respecting the movement. He also added that racism is acute in the United States but people around the world should spread the message that they stand against it.

“Now that the West Indies team has gone home, that doesn’t mean that you still shouldn’t be respecting 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 entire world took on the mantle of spreading the word and getting this message out that it is time for equality and time for equal justice.

“It was no longer just a black versus white thing… so for Pakistan and England not to then take that signal… neither team did it and the ECB came out with a pretty lame statement, as far as I am concerned.”

The ECB issued a statement in response to former fast bowler Holding’s comments.

“Our response to the Black Lives Matter debate has been to view the issue alongside the whole inclusion and diversity space, to ensure that long-term and sustainable change happens for all communities who are not treated equally,” it read.

“Our refreshed inclusion and diversity strategy, published at the start of the West Indies series, commits to several comprehensive initiatives that focus on eliminating discrimination from all areas of cricket.

England clinched the T20I series 2-1 but currently trail 0-1 to Australia in the ODI series.