Pink is the new red in cricket

For centuries,red was the only colour used in cricket balls until a white version was introduced three decades ago because it had better visibility under the floodlights during night matches. White balls,however,are quickly discoloured by grass stains and have to be replaced regularly during matches. Now,the International Cricket Council has asked all playing countries to test the pink ball in their four-day competitions before it is officially introduced.

“I don’t think it will make a difference to cricket as a game. The white ball has to be changed after 30-odd overs because it stains and wears out. We need to find out if the pink ball’s quality and colour will remain the same for an entire match,” says Vijay Dahiya,former cricketer and assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders. He adds,“By the way,I love pink. I don’t think it’s a strictly feminine colour. It’s a colour of expression.”

The first time a pink ball was used in international cricket was at a women’s match in July 2009,when England defeated Australia at Wormsley. The match was a part of the Pink Sunday programme in support of the Breast Cancer campaign. Mithali Raj,former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team,says,“The decision to use pink cricket balls is more than just an attempt to glamourise the sport. A pink ball makes more sense in terms of visibility at night.”

Cyberspace is full of comments to include new expressions like “fairy corner” in the cricket lingo. General feelings notwithstanding,the world must get used to the fact that pink is the new red.