Why Wicketkeeper Wear Pads?

Wicketkeeping. Originally, wicket-keepers used batting pads to protect their legs, but found the knee-protecting flaps interfered with their agility and ability to catch. There were also incidents where the ball lodged in the space between the flap and the wicket-keeper's leg.

Does a wicket keeper have to wear pads?

No, the wicket-keeper is not required to wear pads. To quote from Law 40.1: The wicket-keeper is the only fielder permitted to wear gloves and external leg guards.

What does a wicket keeper wear?

The Laws of the game stipulate that a wicketkeeper has to wear gloves and external leg guards. Most wicketkeepers these days also wear a helmet with grill to protect the face. Some even wear shades to protect their eyes.