Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) and The Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) are delighted to announce that South Africa’s all-time favourite Betway One-Day International, the world-renowned Betway Pink Day, will once again take place at the beloved Imperial Wanderers Bullring on Sunday, 4 April 2021 (10h00 SAST start) between the Proteas and Pakistan.
This year’s match also marks the 10th anniversary of the Betway Pink Day concept, one of the highlights of which is the funds raised by both on and off field activities with Charlotte Maxeke Hospital once again the beneficiary of this match played in aid of breast cancer awareness with all funds being allocated towards breast cancer research.
Covid-19 protocols mean that the game will regrettably have to be played behind closed doors but that will in no way be allowed to detract from the over-riding purpose of the game.
Fans can still get involved and support the spirit of what Pink Day is all about. Through the #PledgePink campaign, fans are encouraged to buy virtual match day tickets by donating on a dedicated SMS line or through an EFT transfer. Fans can #PledgePink through Ticketpro here.
This is the second time that Pakistan will participate in the Betway Pink Day. The last encounter in 2013 was one of the most memorable games to grace this famous venue with Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers sharing what was then a third-wicket ODI world record stand of 238 off 182 balls before Shahid ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi responded with a staggering onslaught on the Proteas attack of 88 off 48 balls that almost turned the outcome on its head.
Playing in pink always seems to bring the best out of the Proteas. Those who were lucky enough to be present at the 2015 edition will have an indelible memory of what happened that day when de Villiers scored the fastest ODI century ever coming to the crease when there were less than 12 overs still to be bowled. With Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw also scoring centuries the Proteas improved by one run on their famous effort in the ‘438’ match in 2006.
“As we all know breast cancer is a scourge that has a high impact on family life which is at the core of every community. It affects all of us,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive, Pholetsi Moseki.
“We are proud of our efforts over the years in raising awareness and mobilising cricket fans through the Pledge Pink campaign. It is one of our foremost social programmes and proves how sport can play a broader role in society.
Photo credit: LinkedIn profile photo of Pholetsi Moseki
“Sport can unify people as nothing else and it has been wonderful to see the support, we have received every year for this big day from the various countries that have played against our Proteas in this match.
“It is this international brotherhood that helps to make the occasion so special and successful. I would like to extend a special vote of thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board, their officials and players,” added Mr. Moseki.
Sponsors of the Pink Day, Betway’s Marketing Manager, David Rachid, says they are proud to be part of the campaign.
“As a brand that prides itself on caring for the communities in which it operates, the Betway Pink Day aligns with our purpose and continued support for community upliftment initiatives. Being part of this year’s Betway Pink Day match extends our participation to becoming a leading voice in the fight against the scourge of Breast Cancer. We hope this year’s event will be as successful as the other years and we urge all cricket loving fans to buy their virtual tickets for a great cause,” Rachidi said.
The Central Gauteng Lions CEO Jono Leaf-Wright added: “The Betway Pink Day: The proudest, most passionate and pinkest day of the year! On behalf of the Central Gauteng Lions, we are exceptionally proud to host and be involved in the 10th edition of the Betway Pink Day. For our fans from far and wide, please join us as we raise both knowledge and funds for breast cancer education, awareness and treatment. Sunday 04 April, will undoubtably be one of our proudest moments as the Imperial Wanderers Stadium and you can be sure our iconic stadium is ready to host the Proteas and Pakistan in a celebration of unity and breast cancer awareness.
“The perfect pitch is ready and excitement is certainly in the air as we rally behind the fight against breast cancer because together we can achieve so much more and together we can beat cancer and hit it for a big six!”
For more information, visit Ticketpro here.
Name of Author: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) governs cricket in South Africa. Formed in 2002, it succeeded the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) and became the sole governing body in 2008. CSA oversees all levels of cricket, including national teams for men and women, and is a full ICC member and SASCOC affiliate.
