The last Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney was a ‘Pink Test.’ In addition to being an international fixture, it was also a charitable match played to spread awareness about breast cancer. In 2005, legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath’s wife, Jane, was diagnosed with the same disease and unfortunately lost her life in 2008. In response to this, Glenn McGrath decided to raise awareness among women about breast cancer and help them in their fight against this disease. He subsequently founded the McGrath Foundation.
Mohammad Rizwan didn’t shake hands McGrath family’s female members
Alongside Cricket Australia, the McGrath Foundation hosts this match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and the funds generated are used by the McGrath Foundation to support breast cancer patients. According to the foundation’s website, the Pink Matches have raised 22 million dollars for the initiative.
The first Pink Test was played in 2009 between Australia and South Africa, while the recently concluded match in Sydney marked the 16th edition of this event. During the match, the Pakistan team was seen greeting Glenn McGrath’s family members.
All Pakistan players shook hands with female members in Glenn McGrath's family but Mohammad Rizwan didn't 💯 #AUSvPAK https://t.co/uxxCzcja8v
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 6, 2024
While all other Pakistan cricketers shook hands with them, Mohammad Rizwan joined his hands in a Namaste gesture. Initially, the female members of McGrath’s family seemed confused, but they soon realized the gesture and responded with the same Namaste gesture. The reason behind Rizwan’s act is not known; however, netizens have different opinions on this. Some wrote that it’s a cultural thing, while others considered it a disrespect towards women.
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Pakistan suffered a defeat in the Pink Test and consequently lost the series by 3-0. Mohammad Rizwan remained the top run-scorer for the Men in Green in the Sydney Test, scoring 88 and 28 runs in the two innings. Mohammad Rizwan and his team are now en route to New Zealand, where they are scheduled to play a 5-match T20I series starting on January 12.
