Final answer:
Professional cricket balls come in two colors: red for longer formatslike Test cricket, and white for limited-overs formats including ODIs and T20s. These colors enhance visibility depending on the time of the game. Cricket plays a significant role culturally and competitively, especially in South Asia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professional cricket balls traditionally come in either red or white. The red balls are commonly used in the longer format of the game, like Test cricket, which is played over several days. White balls, on the other hand, are used in limited-overs cricket formats such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20s (T20s), where matches are completed in a single day or evening. These colors are chosen for their visibility; red balls are easier to see on the field during the day, and white balls are more visible under stadium lights for night matches.
The importance of cricket, particularly in South Asia, is significant, with intense rivalries like that between India and Pakistan reflecting the historical and geopolitical tensions. The sport's pinnacle event, the Cricket World Cup, held every four years, showcases the best teams from around the world. Countries from South Asia have a strong record in the tournament, with India winning in 1983, Pakistan in 1992, and Sri Lanka in 1996.