'Black Lives Matter' logo will be worn by West Indies cricketers on the collars of their shirts during the three-match Test series against England in the UK, starting July 8 in Southampton. 

The logo designed by Alisha Hosannah has been approved by the ICC, which has historically barred teams from making any political statement or leave any such message via their cricketing gear. 

Read Also: Broad admits closed-door cricket will pose "mental test", working with team psychologist

West Indies captain Jason Holder and his men have stood-up in protests re-triggered against racism since the killing of an Afro-American George Floyd in the custody of a white policeman on May 25 in the USA. 

"We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness," Holder was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "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 the generation to come," he added. 

Having urged cricket authorities to treat racism like they do match-fixing and doping, Holder said the decision do their bit as a team by wearing the logo was taken after much thought. 

"We did not take our decision lightly," he said. "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," Holder added. 

West Indies' England visit is historic as it marks the return of international cricket amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The entire three-Test series will be played in a bio-secure bubble and while following the highest safety protocols laid down by the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)