The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and UN Environment have struck up a new partnership in an effort to clamp down on the use of plastic in cricket stadia across the Asian country.
The initiative will focus on key environmental challenges facing India, as well as promoting more sustainable solutions both in the sporting world and in day-to-day life.
The BCCI will commit to phasing out single-use plastic across stadia, building on its earlier activity in the Indian Premier League where videos were shown inside venues to highlight the hazards of plastic pollution.
This effort includes an initiative at the Holkar Stadium where a plastic audit is being undertaken to assess the types and volumes of single-use plastic generated and chart a course to implement waste management system.
In addition, at the M. Chinnaswamy, the Karnataka State Cricket Association has replaced plastic cups and bottles with sustainable alternatives for over 32,000 fans.
Amitabh Choudhary, acting honorary secretary of the BCCI, who has signed a letter of intent committing to the effort, said: “The Board is happy to announce its partnership with UN Environment.
“This is a major step in spreading the message of environmental conservation. We will help make cricket green and sensitise spectators towards minimising waste generation during matches.”
Erik Solheim, executive director of UN Environment, who also signed the letter, added: “The environment and sports are more closely connected than people think. If we don’t have a healthy environment, then sports will not thrive.
“I am delighted that UN Environment is partnering with the BCCI to use the power of cricket to inspire action for a cleaner environment.”
Image: rkit
Share this