Lungi Ngidi criticised after supporting ‘Black Lives Matter’

Former international cricketers Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar say Ngidi should also speak up against attacks on white farmers in South Africa.

South African fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi.

Former South African cricketers Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar have slammed Lungi Ngidi for his support for Black Lives Matter (BLM), saying the fast bowler should also speak up against attacks on white farmers in the country.

The 24-year-old pacer had said the racism issue is “something that we need to take very seriously and like the rest of the world is doing, make the stand.” But his comments were not taken well by former wicketkeeper Rudi Steyn, who shared an article on his Facebook page with Dippenaar and Symcox expressing their criticism in the comments section.

“I believe the Proteas should make a stand against racism, but if they stand up for ‘Black Lives Matter’ while ignoring the way white farmers are daily being ‘slaughtered’ like animals, they have lost my vote,” wrote Steyn.

Dippenaar, who has featured in 38 Tests and 107 ODIs for South Africa between 1999 and 2007, said: “I am afraid to say “Black Lives Matter” have become nothing more than leftist political movement. I would suggest that Lungi Ngidi listens a bit more to likes of Thomas Sowell, Larry Elder, Walter Williams and Milton Friedman.”

‘All lives matter’

“All lives matter. If you want me to stand shoulder to shoulder with you Lungi then stand shoulder to shoulder with me with regards to farm attacks,” he added.

Former off-spinner Symcox, who played 20 Tests and 80 ODIs for South Africa, too was scathing in his criticism. “What nonsense is this. He must take his own stand if he wishes. Stop trying to get the Proteas involved in his belief,” Symcox said.

“Besides the fact that right now Cricket South Africa should be closed down. A proper dog and pony show with cricket being dragged through the mud daily. Buy popcorn and watch. Now when Ngidi has his next meal perhaps he would rather consider supporting the farmers of South Africa who are under pressure right now. A cause worth supporting,” Symcox added.

The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement gathered momentum following the death of an African-American man named George Floyd in Minneapolis, U.S.