Why South Africa Are Wearing Pink Jersey During First ODI Against India?
South Africa will be wearing pink for India ODI series opener (Twitter)
As the caravan for the high-octane India visit moves to the ODI leg of the all-format tour starting on Sunday (December 17), hosts South Africa will undergo a swift transformation from their traditional green jersey to a special pink gear.
When the Proteas embrace the turf for the ODI series opener at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg against the Indians, they will be wearing a unique pink jersey to align with the new tradition of wearing the pink colour gear for at least one of their home One-Day Internationals of the summer.
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The tradition started back in 2013 when South Africa donned the pink jersey for a match during the five-match ODI series against Pakistan and has since seen the Proteas play 11 such 'Pink ODIs' with a great record witnessing nine victories and only two defeats.
The fixture is played at the iconic Jo'burg Stadium as Cricket South Africa (CSA) successfully hosts jam-packed crowds for the special fixture after generating great interest amongst the fans about the 'Pink ODI'.
What Is The Significance Of 'Pink ODI'?
The significance of the 'Pink ODI', however, goes beyond the frenzy and the excitement of a packed crowd and monetary gains to the state association or the cricket board. The fixture marks Proteas' solidarity with the sustained fight against breast cancer as a fatal disease.
Cricket South Africa uses it as an occasion to spread awareness about the disease and encourages medical authorities and people of the rainbow nation to avail greater education about the issue and make sure it is detected as early as possible.
All the funds and the money generated from the annual fixture are reserved for the cause as CSA contributes all financial gains to support the initiatives taken by the doctors and the nation's medical authorities against breast cancer.
Fans are encouraged by the organisers to wear pink in some form or shape to add to the occasion and establish their support for the board's initiative.
"We are delighted to once again raise awareness on breast cancer with cricket fans. To help in the fight against breast cancer, awareness alone is not enough." Cricket South Africa's CEO Pholetsi Moseki said in a statement.
"We encourage people to be proactive and get screened. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer among women in South Africa, but it can affect men as well. Early detection can lead to effective treatment and a positive outcome," he added.
 "Kashish Chadha")