No climate for cricket: Global warming turns the heat on players
At the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, players had to contend with air pollution aggravated by increased temperatures in 20 of 47 matches. Now NZ is next up to bat against climate change
The recently concluded men’s Cricket World Cup in India reached record audiences. But there was one thing the organisers did not want those viewers to see (other than India’s defeat by Australia in the final): cricket’s own climate crisis.
Along with battling heat and humidity, players were forced to contend with unhealthy air created by pollutants from vehicles, factories, and construction, and aggravated by increased temperatures in 20 of the 47 matches.
As Indian captain Rohit Sharma remarked, It is not ideal, and everyone knows that.
The United Nations describes the threat more forcefully. Secretary-general António Guterres has warned that the world is on a catastrophic path to a hellish future. It is a future that threatens the very viability of cricket.
As an outdoor summer game in which the natural environment plays a unique role, cricket is perhaps the pitch sport most at risk from a changing climate.
Increased temperatures and heatwaves threaten the safety of players and spectators, as well as the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces.
Dr. Jamie Stoebner, a climate scientist at the University of Canterbury, explains the significant risks climate change poses to cricket. With rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves and extreme weather events will become more common, she says. These conditions can directly impact player performance and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Indeed, in recent years, we have seen heat forcing players to retire mid-game. The 2019 Ashes series in England witnessed cricketers struggling under extreme heat, with several players experiencing dizziness, exhaustion, and even vomiting on the field.
The effects are not limited to players alone. Spectators face health risks as well. When the air quality is compromised, it can lead to respiratory problems, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. Vulnerable individuals, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.
Furthermore, climate change affects the very essence of the game. The traditional English cricketing summer, with its green and lush pitches, is already under threat. Less rainfall and drier conditions make it harder to maintain the quality and consistency of the playing surfaces, altering the balance between bat and ball. This places the integrity and fairness of the game in jeopardy.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledges the gravity of the situation. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice emphasizes the need for urgent action. We are committed to addressing the impact of climate change on cricket, he declares. Sustainability measures and adapting to changing conditions will be top priorities for us moving forward.
Several strategies can be implemented to mitigate the impact of climate change on cricket. Investing in research and technology to improve gear, apparel, and equipment can help reduce heat-related illnesses and enhance player performance in extreme conditions. Stadiums and training facilities can adopt sustainable practices, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, to minimize their carbon footprint.
Efforts must also be made to raise awareness among players, fans, and officials regarding the health risks associated with climate change and the importance of prioritizing sustainability.
Cricket is not alone in facing the consequences of global warming, but it is uniquely positioned to drive action and inspire change. As one of the world’s most beloved sports, cricket has the power to unite millions of fans and influence public opinion. By embracing sustainability and advocating for climate action, cricket can play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis.
When New Zealand takes the crease in the upcoming matches, they will not only be aiming to win the game but also to bat against climate change. As players and fans come together, they have an opportunity to highlight the urgent need to protect the future of the sport and the planet.
The challenges posed by climate change can no longer be ignored. Cricket must step up to the crease and use its global platform to make a difference. Otherwise, the sport we love may be relegated to the annals of history, lost to a world too hot to handle.
