Lahore: Pakistan's cricket team replaced its traditional green kit with pink jerseys during Sunday's One Day International (ODI) against England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The change was part of the board's Pinktober campaign, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and encouraging early diagnosis, regular screening and timely treatment.
According to a PCB statement, the initiative uses the reach of international cricket to communicate public health messages to spectators and television audiences across Pakistan.
Pink jerseys, ribbons and stadium branding
Alongside Pakistan's pink uniforms, England's players, match officials and commentators wore pink ribbons to show support for people affected by breast cancer. The PCB also introduced pink stumps and awareness related branding across Gaddafi Stadium, with digital promotional material released ahead of the fixture. The campaign coincided with Pakistan's second match against England in the ongoing tri nation series on October 25.
PCB Director Commercial Ali Adnan Zaidi said cricket offered an opportunity to reach millions of people and encourage greater public engagement with breast cancer awareness. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed also highlighted the responsibility associated with cricket's following in Pakistan.
Why breast cancer awareness matters
October is observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with campaigns focusing on recognising symptoms, improving access to screening and encouraging people to seek medical advice when they notice changes.
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women worldwide. Early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes, although screening recommendations depend on factors such as age, medical history and individual risk.
Public awareness initiatives are intended to address gaps in knowledge and encourage conversations about a disease that may otherwise go undetected until a later stage. By incorporating the campaign into an international fixture, the PCB has brought the message to an audience extending beyond conventional health awareness programmes.
Pink cricket campaigns around the world
Pakistan's initiative follows similar campaigns organised by cricket boards in other countries.
South Africa has hosted Pink Day ODIs at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, where the national team wears pink uniforms to support breast cancer awareness. Pakistan has previously participated in these fixtures, including the 2021 match in which Fakhar Zaman scored 193 runs despite Pakistan losing by 17 runs.
The teams met again in a Pink Day ODI in 2024, when Pakistan secured a 36 run victory. Pakistan also organised a breast cancer awareness fixture during its T20I series against South Africa last year.
In Australia, the Sydney Cricket Ground hosts the annual Pink Test in support of the McGrath Foundation, a cancer care charity established by former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath and his wife, Jane McGrath. These initiatives demonstrate how cricket organisations have incorporated health awareness campaigns into international matches through changes to playing kits, ground presentation and public messaging.
For Sunday's fixture in Lahore, the PCB's focus remained on encouraging breast cancer awareness and promoting the importance of timely medical assessment.
