Why is South Africa wearing pink jersey in India vs South Africa, 1st ODI Match?

In a recent move, the South African team decided to don a pink jersey instead of their customary green in the first ODI of the series against India, set to kick off on Saturday, December 17, at the New Wanderers Stadium, in Johannesburg. This change aligns with the tradition of Pink Day ODIs, where the Proteas express their backing for breast cancer awareness, education, detection, and research.

Cricket South Africa has urged all South Africans to actively participate in this significant cause by donning pink shirts and endorsing the initiative through ticket purchases and attendance at the match. Notably, the costs of the matches will be handled to support initiatives related to breast cancer. Moreover, fans are warmly encouraged to wear pink, regardless of their location during the match, as a demonstration of their solidarity with the team and their commitment to breast cancer awareness.

“We are delighted to once again raise awareness on breast cancer with cricket fans,” Cricket South Africa's CEO Pholetsi Moseki said for the upcoming special occasion.

“To help in the fight against breast cancer, awareness alone is not enough. 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 concluded.

Check out Cricket South Africa's 'Pink Day' post here:

AB de Villiers scored the fastest century in first Pink ODI for South Africa

In 2013, South Africa sported a pink jersey for the first time during an ODI match against Pakistan at home. Following this debut, they decided to periodically observe Pink Day when playing ODI matches at home.

Also check: India vs South Africa Live Score, 1st ODI

AD De Villiers, former South Africa captain, boasts an extraordinary record in the Pink jersey, marked by his fastest century in ODI history achieved against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter reached his hundred in just 31 balls and went on to score 149 runs in 44 balls at an impressive strike rate of 338.63. This record-breaking innings contributed to South Africa's total of 439/2, ranking as the fifth-highest ODI total of all time.