Hashim Amla voices support for Lungi Ngidi, Black Lives Matter movement

The name Hashim Amla was a notable absentee in a list of current and ex-pros who came out in support of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and the Black Lives Matter movement earlier in the week. However, the former Proteas batting ace has now pledged his backing of his ex-teammate and the movement at large.

Hashim Amla backs Lungi Ngidi

This is after Ngidi had stirred controversy by voicing his intention to lead the conversation to have the Proteas follow in the footsteps of many sports federations across the world in observing a gesture of support for the campaign.

A few former Proteas criticised the 24-year-old’s stance, while he was also backed by the likes of teammate Tabraiz Shamsi, Cobras coach Ashwell Prince and cricket commentator Hussein Manack.

@NgidiLungi I am right behind you boy!

You said NOTHING wrong!

Black, white or brown… NO ONE should be treated with hatred, cruelty or differently based on their skin colour#BlackLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter ❤#Peace ✌#LungiNgidi

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) July 9, 2020

A group made up of 30 ex-Proteas and five professional coaches have thrown their weight behind Ngidi and the movement.

Amla on Black Lives Matter

The list of signatories – all current and former players of colour – was made public on Tuesday and, on Wednesday, Amla chimed in on the matter.

The former Dolphins captain said the Black Lives Matter movement has relevance for everyone.

View this post on Instagram

Waking up to 100s of messages on my whatsapp is a usual occurance especially with the introduction of whatsapp groups. Most of the time it's not serious stuff but I now know that being offline for a day(for whatever reason) can throw you into a storm unwittingly. Well… here's my (latest) weather report The Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign has relevance for everyone. 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. 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. 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. 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. Some may convince themselves otherwise but you have to ask yourself – are those who know the same as those who dont know? Justice for all is the only true justice that will bring peace and anything else is sadly delusional. 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). This pic is from his debut in January 2018. #bigmanbigsmile #istandwithlungi

A post shared by Hashim Amla (@hashamla) on Jul 15, 2020 at 12:33am PDT

The Black Lives Matter campaign gained momentum in cricket circles ahead of the first Test between England and West Indies in Southampton, when former fast bowler Michael Holding and ex-England women international Ebony Rainford-Brent detailed their experiences with racism in the game.

Cricket South Africa has also come in support of the movement, saying it is its duty to educate against all forms of discrimination.