Pakistan will wear a special pink jersey for the T20I series opener against South Africa on Tuesday (October 28). Here's why.
After the recent Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, the two teams will now face each other in the T20I series. There is hardly anything to separate the two sides in their head-to-head record, as both have won 12 matches each. However, Pakistan have been the more consistent side in their recent T20I clashes, with series wins in 2020-2021 and 2021, and a victory over South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Despite this, South Africa won the most recent series between the two sides, securing a 2-0 victory last December.
Ahead of the recent series opener on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared photos of a new pink coloured kit on social media with the caption: "Turning pink for a cause that matters."
Ready to lead! 🇿🇦
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 27, 2025
A captain's shoot with the prize to set the tone for the upcoming T20I series. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8JPWCu1YUm
1st T20I, Pakistan vs South Africa
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Why are Pakistan wearing a pink jersey for T20I series opener v South Africa?
According to an official Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) release, the gesture is to support the "Pink Ribbon Pakistan" initiative during "#PINKtober, which is breast cancer awareness month".
To support the cause, the Pakistan team will wear specially crafted pink jerseys, while South Africa players and the match officials will wear pink ribbons to express their solidarity.
The coaching staff and commentators will also join the cause by wearing pink ribbons. The stumps for the first match in Rawalpindi will also be painted pink, and commentators will share breast cancer awareness messages throughout the broadcast.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board takes immense pride in using the power and reach of cricket to create awareness about causes that affect our society," PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed Syed noted.
"Through the Pink Ribbon campaign, we aim to highlight the importance of early detection and regular screening for breast cancer, which can save countless lives."
Cricket's connection with breast cancer awareness campaigns is nothing new. South Africa host a Pink ODI every year, where the home team wears pink uniforms to raise funds and spread awareness for the cause.
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In Australia, a Test match is held annually at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January, which features Jane McGrath Day. The day is held in remembrance of Jane, the late wife of former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who died of breast cancer. Traditionally, the third day of the match uses pink as a symbol to spread awareness and raise funds.
Image Credit: X/TheRealPCB
