BCCI and UN pushing for 'green cricket' in the IPL

In a recent development, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is in talks with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to promote ‘green cricketing’ in India. They play on doing it by implementing the 3R concept (reduce, reuse, recycle) at stadiums across the country. UNEP and BCCI plan to formulate a three-year framework to be implemented in cricket matches of all formats.

The concept has been lapped up by many other sporting organizations worldwide. Last month, the authorities of Oval cricket ground also pledged to make it plastic-free in three years. The International Olympic Committee has joined UNEP’s campaign and drafted a framework to minimize plastic usage by the time Tokyo Olympics kicks off.

Statistically speaking, on an average, about 3-4.5 tons of waste is generated during matches in the form of plastic bottles, disposables, caps, posters and placards. The Indian Premier League (IPL) matches only at Bangalore and Kolkata were zero-waste matches.

A tripartite agreement has been signed between Union environment ministry, UNEP and BCCI to usher in the process. Speaking of the developments, Atul Bagai, head of UN Environment Country Office in India told TOI, “Cricket in India is a religion and IPL, which is viewed widely across the world, can help in spreading awareness about the environment and minimizing waste generation during matches.”

Indore set to implement Green Protocol next

Indore is all set to implement the Green Protocol in all the four IPL matches to be played at Holkar Stadium from May 4. However, it will result in a slightly increased cost of eatables and other items but the franchise and Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) will bear it.

A blanket ban on the use of plastic will be implemented while food waste will be collected and converted into manure by the civic body. Only paper-made placards will be allowed inside the stadium while all other kinds of material will be properly disposed of. A separate agency (NGO) will be there to monitor proper implementation of Green Protocol.

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