Maria Imran Pakistan will swap its familiar green kit for Pakistan pink jersey breast cancer awareness when it faces Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI tri-series on Sunday, October 18, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The move is part of a breast cancer awareness campaign led by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with Pink Ribbon Pakistan. It aims to use cricket’s huge reach to spread a message that can save lives: early detection matters.
A Pink Message Beyond the Jersey
Pakistan’s players will wear special pink jerseys instead of their usual green shirts. The effort will also involve Sri Lanka’s players, match officials and coaching staff, who are expected to wear pink ribbons. Pink branding is planned for boundary boards, match-day signs and stumps, while commentators and presenters will wear ribbons and share awareness information during the live broadcast. The initiative is also set to include free mammogram checkups for women.
The campaign comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, often called Pinktober. The PCB has used cricket for similar awareness efforts before. The event aims to encourage people to learn about early checks and seek medical advice.
England is the third side in the seven-match series, which runs until October 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side, with Babar Azam also in the squad.
Why the Message Matters
The figures show why awareness is important. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, while around 694,000 died from the disease. It was the most common cancer among women in 164 of 186 countries that year.
Pakistan also faces a major burden. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates recorded 30,682 new breast cancer cases among women in Pakistan. That was 31.3% of all new cancer cases among women in the country that year.
Early Detection Can Save Lives
Breast cancer may cause a lump or thickening, a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, a change around the nipple, or unusual nipple discharge. A lump may not hurt, and most breast lumps are not cancer. However, the WHO advises people with an unusual breast lump to seek medical care. Finding cancer early and linking patients to timely treatment can reduce deaths.
The pink jerseys will last for one match, but the message should last longer. As Pakistan begins its tri-series campaign against Sri Lanka, the spotlight will be on runs and wickets. Away from the scorecard, the hope is that the pink kit also prompts more people to talk openly about breast health, notice possible warning signs and seek help without delay.
