Cricketers are committed to the environment.
(Twitter)
Recent IPCC reports have not only highlighted our planet’s precarious climate situation, but they also stressed how crucial climate action is. However, collective action requires that the message reach far and wide, and raise awareness among the masses. Public figures are able to play a vital part in this mission.
The cause has received a huge boost from big names from Cricket, which is the country’s most followed religion. They have pledged their support to the cause.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is now in its fifteenth season and is undoubtedly one the most talked about events of 2022. Some cricketers are using the platform to raise awareness about climate action.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore wore green jerseys last Sunday, May 8th, in their IPL 2022 match at the Wankhede Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team has a tradition of wearing a green jersey every year as part of their “Go Green” initiative.
“The RCB has had the ‘Go Green’ sustainability initiative as a part of its culture since 2011. “RCB has worn the green jersey at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadion day games for years to promote a greener, more sustainable planet Earth. “RCB will wear the green match kit on May 8, when we take on Sunrisers Hyderabad,” Virat Kohli, senior batter, had said before the game.
Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder for RCBs, also spoke out about the initiative. He said: “Let’s all continue to try to play a small role in building towards a great tomorrow for environment-friendly measures which can help make this planet a better place for the next generations.”
Dinesh Karathik also discussed simple home actions that anyone can take, including turning off lights, fans, and ACs when not in use.
However, RCB wasn’t the only team to support climate action. Mumbai Indians, their west coast counterparts, have also been vocal about the need for it.
While Sachin Tendulkar, an active player in cricket, and Jasprit Bhumrah, encouraged fans to save the environment through their social media accounts last year; Rohit Sharma, a MI cricketer, has been a constant supporter of the cause.
The MI skipper is known for his involvement in environmental causes. He has a fascinating way of doing it. Sharma was seen on two occasions in 2021 wearing shoes that read “Save the Rhinos”, and “Plastic Free Ocean”
The Mumbai captain was no exception this year. He speaks out on environmental conservation both on the field and off it. Rohit was seen wearing shoes featuring artwork of a turtle swimming in an ocean during a match against Rajasthan Royals.
In the meantime, the Rajasthan Royals will support RCB’s ‘Go Green’ campaign by planting one-million saplings throughout Rajasthan and contributing to the natural environment. This effort will be in collaboration with the Rajasthan government as well as other non-governmental organizations.
On Wednesday, May 11, the IPL’s first ever “carbon neutral” match will be played between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals. One IPL game can produce approximately 10,000 tonnes equivalent carbon dioxide equivalent, which is a serious concern. To ensure carbon neutrality, Schneider Electric and the Royals will plant approximately 17,000 trees as part of their ‘Green Yodha” campaign.
These efforts of the cricketers are admirable. It is heartening to see them putting their fame to good uses and helping to preserve the environment.
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