Picture Credit: BCCI/RR
Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday unveiled their special all-pink jersey which will be donned by the inaugural IPL champions in their #PinkPromise match against RCB on 6th April 2024, in the presence of their Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, Hon’ble Sports Minister (Government of Rajasthan) Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Rajasthan Royals Chairperson Ranjit Barthakur and Rajasthan Royals Chief Executive Officer Jake Lush McCrum.
The Sri Lankan cricket legend shared the stage with the Hon’ble Sports Minister as they felicitated women beneficiaries who are driving significant, transformational change in rural Rajasthan with support from the franchise’s social equity arm – the Royal Rajasthan Foundation. The duo also extended the first invitation to the women to attend this match through an exclusive Pink Pass.
The #PinkPromise match aims to amplify the team’s support to the inspirational and empowered women from rural India. The Foundation's overarching vision of 'Aurat Hai Toh Bharat Hai' has inspired action from empowered women who are breaking barriers to lead positive change. The Royals aim to create replicable models of women-led transformation which facilitate access to water, solar energy, upskilling and mental health interventions. Under its flagship Project Khushaali, along with other programmes, the Foundation has successfully impacted the lives of more than 15 million women since its inception through direct and awareness driven interventions.
The color pink on the distinctive matchday kits resonates deeply with the spirit of Rajasthan which symbolizes resilience, grace, and the power of women. In Rajasthan's cultural tapestry, pink embodies the strength and fortitude of its women, who have long been the backbone of rural communities. By donning this vibrant hue, the franchise proudly celebrates the indomitable spirit of Rajasthan's women, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving social change and progress.
The Royals also intend to shine a spotlight on the incredible journeys of some of the women beneficiaries and have engraved their names into the design of these special jerseys to salute their hard work in front of millions of viewers. These women have emerged as local heroes by contributing to the significant shift towards the usage of solar energy and water conservation, with each emblazoned name telling a story of courage, perseverance, and triumph over adversity.
Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket, Rajasthan Royals said, “We are proud to be donning these special threads which pay a tribute to the powerful women of Rajasthan and of India. It will be a great occasion to celebrate the efforts of our Foundation and to salute the women who are making a difference on ground. All the players and the staff are looking forward to donning these threads and putting in their best on the field to mark the occasion.”
Elaborating on the vision behind the initiative, Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said, "In the last couple of years, we have made significant strides in women-led rural transformation through our efforts in the state of Rajasthan. The #PinkPromise is a strong commitment from our team towards amplifying the stories of these empowered women as they triumph against all odds to drive societal change. We want to continue batting for this positive change in not just Rajasthan, but also across India by creating a sustainable model that can be replicated in villages around the country.”
The Royals have also announced that the proceeds from the sale of each all-pink Royals' jersey will go to the Royal Rajasthan Foundation, ensuring the continuity of impactful initiatives. In the lead-up to the #PinkPromise match, the franchise will organize various activations to raise awareness about the Foundation's work, inviting fans and the wider community to join in saluting and supporting the empowered women on their journey towards positive rural transformation in Rajasthan and in India.
(With Inputs from Press Release)
