Cricket is one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world, with millions of fans and players across the globe. However, cricket also has a significant environmental impact, as it consumes a lot of resources and generates a lot of waste. From the use of water and electricity to maintain the pitches and stadiums, to the travel and transportation of the teams and spectators, to the production and disposal of the equipment and merchandise, cricket contributes to the global issues of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness and action among the cricket community to adopt more sustainable and eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental footprint and promote a greener future. Some of the initiatives and innovations that have emerged in the field of green cricket are:
Solar-powered stadiums: Some of the cricket stadiums around the world have installed solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. For example, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, India, has a 400-kW solar rooftop system that can power the entire stadium and save up to 600,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Similarly, the Lord's Cricket Ground in London, England, has a 100-kW solar array that can provide 10% of the stadium's electricity needs.
Water conservation: Water is a precious and scarce resource, especially in regions that face droughts and water shortages. Cricket stadiums and grounds consume a lot of water to maintain the grass and the pitch, as well as for the sanitation and hygiene of the players and the spectators. To conserve water, some of the cricket venues have adopted measures such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, wastewater recycling, and artificial turf. For example, the Adelaide Oval in Australia has a rainwater harvesting system that can collect up to 12 million liters of water per year, which is used for irrigation and toilet flushing. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium in UAE has an artificial turf outfield that reduces water consumption by 90%.
Waste management: Cricket matches and events generate a lot of waste, such as plastic bottles, cups, wrappers, banners, and flags, which often end up in landfills or oceans, causing pollution and harming wildlife. To manage waste, some of the cricket organizers and stakeholders have implemented strategies such as banning single-use plastics, providing biodegradable alternatives, encouraging recycling and composting, and educating the fans and the players about waste reduction and disposal. For example, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales was the first major sporting event to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, which included a comprehensive waste management plan that diverted 80% of the waste from landfills. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in UAE also banned single-use plastics and ensured proper segregation and recycling of the waste generated during the tournament.
Carbon offsetting: Cricket involves a lot of travel and transportation, both for the teams and the fans, which results in a high carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. To offset their carbon emissions, some of the cricket entities have partnered with environmental organizations and projects that plant trees, restore forests, and protect wildlife. For example, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has teamed up with the Woodland Trust to plant 20,000 trees across England and Wales, which will sequester 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 50 years. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has joined forces with the Trees That Count initiative to plant one native tree for every six hit during the home international matches, which will enhance the natural habitat and biodiversity of the country.
These are some of the examples of how cricket is becoming greener and eco-friendlier, and how the cricket community is taking responsibility and action to address the environmental challenges and opportunities. By adopting these practices, cricket can not only reduce its environmental impact, but also inspire and influence its fans and followers to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle and contribute to a greener future. 🌍
