First-ever carbon-neutral match at PCA

Approximately US$10,150 will go towards supporting an internationally recognised residual biomass project in Rajasthan,India. The power generation project will not only reduce emissions of CO2,SO2 and soot,it will also contribute to sustainable development by generating income for regional farmers selling agricultural residues.

“I am proud to be a part of this exciting environmental initiative,and I look forward to participating in many more climate neutral cricket matches in the future,” said Kumar Sangakkara,skipper of the Kings XI Punjab. IS Bindra,president of PCA said the PCA is proud to host such match and will made extra efforts to do so in future.

“The PCA is proud to be hosting and funding the first-ever climate neutral cricket game,and we are delighted to be part of this new green era for the great game of cricket,” said Bindra. Viswajeet Khanna,secretary,environment,Punjab Government and vice president of PCA was also present on the occasion. “We welcome this partnership with UNEP and we look forward to helping raise green awareness among millions of cricket fans,” said Khanna.

In calculating the amount of emissions that will be generated from the match,UNEP and the PCA have taken into account the travel,accommodation and food consumption of all the players,officials as well as local fans travelling to the venue.

Other simple measures put in place to minimise waste and emissions from the game include the prominent distribution of waste bins throughout the stadium and the recycling of all waste water. The Mohali match,which saw the Kings XI Punjab play the Mumbai Indians,was the first of five climate-neutral games being played across India under the ‘Batting for the Environment’ initiative which pledges to increase environmental awareness among millions of cricket fans and the wider public.

As part of the initiative,‘Green Tips’ flashed across giant screens in stadiums and were being announced by commentators daily during the course of the 45-day tournament,advising cricketers and fans on how to play a part in limiting greenhouse gas emissions and caring for the environment.

PCA breaks promise
PCA officials’ promise to help in keeping environment clean vanished in thin air when they used fire crackers to celebrate after the Kings XI Punjab defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets at the PCA stadium on Friday night. IS Bindra,president of PCA,had earlier said that the match between the home side and the Mumbai outfit would be the first-ever climate neutral cricket game. However,they could not keep their promise.