Why Pakistan will wear pink jerseys in ODI tri-series against England

Pakistan cricket team (AP Photo)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will dedicate the fourth ODI between Pakistan and England on October 25 to breast cancer awareness, using the international fixture to highlight the importance of early detection and timely treatment.Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will take on a pink look for the occasion as the PCB organises Breast Cancer Awareness Day as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The campaign will coincide with Pinktober, the internationally observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Pakistan’s players will wear specially designed pink kits during the match, while members of the England team, match officials and commentators will be encouraged to wear pink ribbons in solidarity with patients and survivors.The initiative will extend beyond the players’ clothing, with pink-branded stumps to be used during the game. Messages promoting breast cancer awareness will also feature on the stadium’s big screens and LED perimeter boards.Commentators will reinforce the campaign’s message during the live broadcast, helping the PCB reach audiences both in Pakistan and abroad. The initiative aims to use the visibility of international cricket to encourage greater awareness of the disease and the need for timely medical attention.

The match is part of a tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka.Pakistan head into the fixture after a dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI of the series. Sri Lanka appeared well placed to chase down their target of 306 after recovering from early setbacks, with Janith and Pavan Rathnayake putting together a 119-run partnership.

Dasun Shanaka then added to the momentum with an attacking 25 off 14 balls, leaving Sri Lanka needing 58 runs from the final eight overs with five wickets in hand.

However, the chase unravelled when Janith and Shanaka were dismissed within four deliveries.Pakistan seized the opportunity, claiming Sri Lanka’s final five wickets for just 15 runs to secure a 37-run win. The collapse left Sri Lanka’s coach Gary Kirsten visibly frustrated after his side had looked on course to complete the chase.