Graeme Smith backs young pacer Lungi Ngidi in his 'Black Lives Matter' movement

Graeme Smith has come forward to support young South African pacer Lungi Ngidi who had earlier demanded South Africa to take 'Black Lives Matter' seriously in cricket. star fast bowler had earlier spoken about importance of ongoing 'Black Lives Matter' movement and its need within Proteas team.

'I stand with Ngidi': Graeme Smith

Taking to micro-blogging site, Smith wrote that as Director of Cricket at Cricket South Africa (CSA), A former skipper of Proteas, a team-mate, far, bror, friend and most importantly a fellow South African, he is proud to support this incredibly important movement ('Black Lives Matter') and that re is room for neutrality on this topic.

former opening batsman n added that he stands with Lungi Ngidi.CSK’s star speedster Lungi Ngidi’s take on ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.

Lungi Ngidi on 'Black Lives Matter'

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi recently gave his take on ongoing ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. cricketer was recently named as ODI and T20I cricketer of year at Cricket South Africa's (CSA) annual awards ceremony. Lungi Ngidi said that he is in support of ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and wants rest of his teammates to take a stand as well.

While speaking with ESPNCricinfo, Lungi Ngidi said that South Africa as a country has had a “very difficult” past with racial discrimination. In reference to ongoing England vs West Indies Test series where players are wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo on ir shirts, pacer furr stated that South Africa also needs to take movement seriously like rest of world. Lungi Ngidi said that subject is “definitely something” that needs to be addressed within team before adding that he himself will bring it up if one else will.

Lungi Ngidi’s comments on ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement came a day prior to Michael Holding’s hard-hitting and emotional take on same. During opening day of first England vs West Indies Test at Rose Bowl, Southampton, cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Holding said that ongoing movement will help to bring about a change in society. He emphasized on importance of educating young people about racism. Standing next to him, former England captain Nasser Hussain also made some startling revelations about being subjected to racism while growing up in South Sussex. In an emotional mess, Hussain stated that cricketers should be proud of wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo as badges on ir shirts.

IPL 2020: Lungi Ngidi in CSK

Lungi Ngidi first represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in 2018 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). Even during IPL 2020 trading and transfer window between vember-December last year, CSK retained pacer for US$66,674 (₹50 lakh). While he was all set to take field for CSK against title-holders Mumbai Indians on March 29, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to indefinitely postpone IPL 2020 due to coronavirus global pandemic.

READ: CSK Pacer Lungi Ngidi Demands South Africa Takes 'Black Lives Matter' Seriously In Cricket