Pakistan’s second match against England in the ongoing tri-nation series is underway, and while fans will take heart from the spirited fielding effort shown by Pakistan so far, it is not the only thing of note about the fixture.
That is because today, the Green Shirts are wearing pink.
Pakistan has sported pink jerseys today in lieu of the usual green national kit, due to the Pakistan Cricket Board observing Breast Cancer Awareness day.
“The initiative, being organised as part of Pinktober, the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aims to highlight the importance of early detection, regular screening and timely treatment while encouraging greater awareness of the disease across the country,” said a PCB media release rearding the topic.
As part of the initiative, not only is the Pakistan team coloured pink, but members of the English cricket team, match officials and commentators are also wearing pink ribbons for the cause, in order “to demonstrate solidarity with breast cancer patients and survivors”.
The initiative also includes the stumps used in the match being branded pink, relevant graphics and branding all across the stadium, as well as a series of digital promotional material by the PCB rolled out before the fixture.
“Cricket provides a powerful platform to connect with millions of people and through this initiative, we aim to translate that reach into meaningful awareness and engagement around breast cancer,” said PCB Director Commercial Ali Adnan Zaidi in the media release, while Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed “recognises the responsibility that comes with the immense following and influence of cricket in our country.”
This is not the first instance of a team sporting a pink jersey for this cause. South Africa hosts a “Pink Day” One-day International every year at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, where the home team wears pink kits to raise awareness about breast cancer.
The last two of these pink clashes between South Africa and Pakistan have been memorable as well, with Pakistan notching a 36-run win in the 2024 clash, and the 2021 fixture featuring a sublime innings of 193 by Fakhar Zaman that went in vain as the hosts won by 17 runs.
Pakistan hosted a similar pink day last year as well, as part of the T20I series against South Africa.
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) hosts the Pink Test every year as part of the Australian summer, in support of the McGrath Foundation - a cancer care charity founded by Jane McGrath and her husband, Australian pace-bowler Glenn McGrath.