Srinagar, July 16: Known for being humble and speaking very less, South Africa batting legend Hashim Amla has come out in support of South Africa bowler Lungi Ngidi in Black Lives Matter movement.
Ngidi raised issues of racism in South Africa dressing room which led to highly-publicised criticism on social media by former Proteas Rudi Steyn, Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar, who argued all lives matter.
Hashim Amla shared an emotional message on his Instagram and threw his weight behind former team-mate Ngidi.
“The Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign has relevance for everyone, ” Message started.
“Why? In the Islamic tradition it is understood that the first man, Adam (peace be upon him), was of dark skin henceforth all of humanity have deep roots to this proud heritage and should have zero qualms in being refered to as black,” , Amla wrote.
“This make it even clearer for the person who believes in their black lineage that the imagined superiority of whites over blacks or blacks over whites, or one nationality over another, is simply delusional. Yes that’s right- nothing but delusional,” He said.
“However many of us, including myself have bore the brunt of these delusions and have crazy stories to tell which is why it makes it even more admirable to see exceptional youngsters like @lungingidi doing his bit to represent us all. Thank you brother and all those who stand up for just causes in their own way-publically and privately.”
Amla continued: “I speak for myself and those who share this belief that the end product of being racist is only self destruction and social change.
“There are oppressed people here in this country and the world over, of all colours and walks of life, cricket included. However the darker skinned people have had the worst of it,” he continued.
“So why is Black Lives Matter relevant for us ?… because we are all black (to me anyway). I stand with all those who are oppressed. And I stand with @lungingidi (again)…“
On Monday, 30 former prayers – all players of colour – and five coaches expressed their support for both Ngidi and the BLM movement.
Those that have signed the waiver include Makhaya Ntini, Vernon Philander, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Charl Langeveldt and JP Duminy.