Cricket Faces Climate Change Crisis: Extreme Heat Risks Players and Fans

Cricket, the world's second most popular sport with an estimated 2.5 billion fans, is grappling with a significant challenge posed by climate change, particularly in the form of extreme heat. A recent report titled "Hit for Six: The Danger Zone," published by non-profit organizations including Climate Central and The British Association for Sustainability in Sport (BASIS), reveals alarming trends that threaten the future of cricket, especially in hot regions such as the Indian subcontinent, the United Kingdom, the West Indies, and Australia.

The report highlights that nearly 50% of the matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 were conducted under conditions classified as "Extreme Caution" or "Danger" according to the Heat Index, which combines temperature and humidity to assess heat-related risks. These conditions pose serious threats to the health of players and spectators alike. According to the National Weather Service, "Extreme Caution" refers to heat index temperatures ranging from 90°F to 102°F (32 °C to 39.4 °C), while "Danger" denotes temperatures between 103°F and 124°F (39.4 °C to 51 °C). Notably, 12% of IPL matches in 2025 were played during such dangerous temperatures, leading to significant health risks for players.

Former West Indies captain Daren Ganga expressed deep concern about the existential threat climate change poses to cricket, stating, "It saddens me deeply to see it threatened by a worsening climate crisis." The implications of these extreme weather conditions extend beyond discomfort; they lead to serious health issues such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke, which can severely impair player performance and safety.

The report's findings are corroborated by data showing a 125% increase in high-risk heat days in Mumbai since 1970. In 2024 alone, Thiruvananthapuram, a major cricket city in India, recorded over 100 days classified as hazardous due to extreme temperatures. Dr. Kaitlyn Trudeau, a Senior Research Associate at Climate Central, emphasized that the actual conditions could be even worse than reported, as the Heat Index often underestimates the impact of humidity and other factors that exacerbate heat exposure. "It assumes the person is in the shade and does not account for the additional heat experienced by players wearing padded gear under direct sun exposure," she explained.

In addition to heat, the climate crisis manifests in unpredictable weather patterns, as seen during the recent T20 World Cup in the U.S. and the Caribbean, which was disrupted by intense thunderstorms. The situation is further complicated by air pollution, particularly in India, where smog can lead to heightened stress for players during matches. For instance, during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Bangladeshi players trained in smog-filled conditions, underscoring the compounded effects of climate change and pollution on player well-being.

To combat these challenges, the report recommends that cricket governing bodies adopt strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. This includes considering scheduling matches during cooler times of the day or even indoors, as well as developing guidelines for play under extreme conditions. Kristina Dahl, Vice President of Science at Climate Central, noted that the cricket community must take action to address carbon emissions, stating, "Preserving the future of cricket will require both cutting carbon pollution and adapting cricket seasons to keep players and fans safe."

The report also urges cricket organizations to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and review their policies regularly, including partnerships with fossil fuel companies. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, stated, "If cricket is to survive and thrive, it needs to adapt. Major cricket powers must play their parts in tackling the root causes of the climate crisis."

In conclusion, the future of cricket hangs in the balance as climate change escalates. The sport's governing bodies, players, and fans must unite to champion sustainability initiatives and climate adaptation strategies to ensure that cricket can continue to be enjoyed by future generations under safe and favorable conditions. The time for action is now if cricket is to remain a beloved global pastime.