Proteas women to don black for fight against GBV in final Windies ODI

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that the fourth and final ODI between the Proteas women and West Indies would be the 'Black ODI', bringing one of the most important societal issues facing South Africa in gender-based violence (GBV).

The Proteas women will don black for the second edition of the Black Day ODI set for Sunday at the Wanderers (10:00).

South Africa have had success in their first Black ODI encounter in January last year when they defeated Pakistan by 13 runs at Kingsmead in Durban.

Stand-in captain Suné Luus and her side are aiming to use their platform in front of a huge broadcast audience from South Africa and around the world to highlight the affliction caused by GBV within our communities.

GBV, an indefensible act that leaves a life-long psychological scar on the victim, does not discriminate and can affect or be committed by any person regardless of their race, age, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, with most South African women and children at risk. 

"Black Day is very important to us and as a team we feel strongly about the fight against GBV," said Luus in a press statement on Thursday.

"With the support of CSA, we hope to bring awareness to this issue that affects our country greatly, and hopefully, we can make a difference."

The West Indies, led by Stephanie Taylor, will also show their support for the initiative and will be wearing black armbands on Sunday.  

"The West Indies Women stand with South Africa in their fight against GBV. GBV has also been on the rise at home and many families have been more affected since the pandemic, with women and children suffering at the hands of men," said Taylor.

"Violence in any form is never the answer."

CSA and the host union, Lions Cricket, and partners