Pakistan Cricketers Don Pink Kit For 1st T20I Against South Africa | Full Details Inside

While Pakistan prepare to take on South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series in Rawalpindi, everyone is looking at their new appearance a bright pink jersey. The color change, though, has a more profound message behind it than cricketing beauty.

Why Is Pakistan Cricket Team Wearing A Pink Jersey?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the team will wear pink jerseys during the first T20I as part of the "Pink Ribbon Pakistan" campaign to help bring breast cancer awareness during the global observance month of #PINKtober.

In a social media announcement of the jersey, the PCB captioned it: "Turning pink for a cause that matters." The board explained that the campaign is to create awareness about the need for early diagnosis and frequent screening to fight breast cancer a condition that attacks thousands of women every year in Pakistan.

PCB's Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed added, "The Pakistan Cricket Board is proud to leverage the reach and potential of cricket to raise awareness about issues in our society. With the Pink Ribbon campaign, we will emphasize the value of early detection, which can save lives in tens of thousands."

What Will The Pink Initiative Look Like On Match Day?

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be lit up in pinks for the cause.

• Team players and officials from both teams will sport pink ribbons during the game.

• Pink will be the color in which the stumps will be painted, representing unity with the cause.

• Commentators and match officials will also join in by sporting pink ribbons and providing awareness messages during the broadcast.

This program replicates same practices observed in global cricket including South Africa's "Pink ODI" culture and Australia's Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Is This The First Time Pakistan Cricket Team Has Gone Pink?

Yes. It is Pakistan's very first pink jersey match to spread awareness about breast cancer. Though other cricketing countries have gone ahead and supported the cause in the past, this will be Pakistan's first step towards incorporating social awareness into its sports culture.

The pink jersey, worn by captain Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and previous skipper Babar Azam, has made its debut with a wave of reactions on social media. While most appreciated the cause, others expressed mixed opinions about the design.