Why Pink is The Colour For South African Playing Eleven Today?

In the Fourth Match of ongoing India Vs SA series, today team South Africa is playing in Pink Jerseys. The gesture is to raise funds for Breast cancer as a part of their Pink Drive. This initiative not only aims to spread awareness on breast cancer in public, but also raise fund for Breast Cancer Clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and help treatment of numerous patients. This is a perfect example of how a popular sport like cricket can be used for social good.

The Pink Drive is an annual initiative

The annual Pink Day ODI featured at the Bidvest Wanderers stadium was first held in 2011. They have played five Pink ODIs and incidentally, the Proteas have never lost a match.

The movement has gained a fan following of its own in last six years. The support of its fans is visible on Twitter with the hashtag #PitchUpInPink

The staff at the Charlotte Maxeke hospital #PitchUpInPink pic.twitter.com/6iAvYM6orV

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 9, 2018

I'm ready come rain or cold #PitchUpInPink bring those 4 tickets #MomentumODI. I've to be there with my cousins pic.twitter.com/2IVH1p7JEZ

— Sehwag (@Ningi_Nice) February 7, 2018

In support of the Proteas and breast cancer awareness #PitchUpInPink 💕 pic.twitter.com/ZDwVx7uSA3

— Iggy (@SishhHanisi) February 9, 2018

Supporting the Proteas #PitchUpInPink @AfriSam pic.twitter.com/5xtWu155p8

— Yolandi Coetsee (@yolandi_coetsee) February 9, 2018

The sport of cricket is equally popular in South Africa, as it is in India. Hence, the initiative deserves an applause for using cricket to not only raise funds but awareness about breast cancer.

This drive is important for women all around the world

According to a report by GLOBOCAN, 1.67 million new Breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2012. Which accounted for 25% of all cancers diagnosed all over the world.

It is also the most frequent form of cancer among women, affecting women of developed and developing nations equally. Breast cancer ranks as the fifth cause of death from cancer overall. It is due to aspects like difficulty in early detection and lack of awareness in women etc, that by the time many women seek medical help, their cancer is already in advance stages.

Hence the Pink Drive is a crucial initiative to stimulate a conversation.

Sports like cricket and football have an emotional connection with their fans, who almost treat them like a religion. Therefore, the initiative of Team South Africa, to use platforms like ODI matches to raise awareness and money is an idea worth appreciating.

We need such initiatives in India as well. And why stop at Breast cancer.

Pic Credit: twitter.com/OfficialCSA

Also Read : 7 Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Yamini Pustake Bhalerao is a writer with the SheThePeople team, in the Opinions section.  The views expressed are the author’s own