SA vs SL: South Africa to ‘increase fists’ in help of BLM at begin of Boxing Day Test

New Delhi: The South Africa crew will “raise fists” firstly of the primary Test towards Sri Lanka “as a gesture to express our ongoing commitments” in direction of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) motion on Saturday.
Earlier, the Proteas squad had confirmed that they’d make an anti-racism gesture after they locked horns with Sri Lanka within the first Test.
Proteas coach and former wicket-keeper batsman Mark Boucher confirmed that the South Africa crew has determined to voice their help for inclusion after the interim board had issued a press release of concern over the crew not taking a knee to indicate help for the BLM.

“We have taken the decision — through a process of deep democracy — to raise our fists at the beginning of the Test series against Sri Lanka as a gesture to express our ongoing commitments,” the Cricket South Africa (CSA) mentioned in an official assertion.
“We recognise that gestures have histories and contexts, which carry meaning beyond themselves (both positive and negative) and that these gestures may be open to misinterpretation. Symbols also serve the purpose of communicating shared values and meaning,” it added.
The raised fist has an extended historical past additionally inside the Civil Rights motion. It has been used iconically inside the sporting area as nicely. For instance, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists throughout a medal ceremony on the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, later noting it as a “human rights salute”. More not too long ago it has been used inside the BLM motion.

“We recognize the historical and political connotations of the raised fist as a gesture of ongoing solidarity in the fight for racial justice and anti-racism work,” CSA mentioned.
“So, we stand together and raise our fists as a gesture of solidarity and commitment to continuing the work of pursuing racial justice in our life-times,” it added.
Earlier this 12 months, 31 former and present Proteas cricketers had signed a letter showcasing their help in direction of the Black Lives Matter marketing campaign and pacer Lungi Ngidi.
Following this, Cricket South Africa (CSA), its board of administrators and govt committee had reaffirmed their help in direction of the BLM motion, and its relevance in South Africa.