Nepali Cricket's Journey Towards Sustainability: Key Initiatives and Environmental Progress

International cricket, a sport deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Nepal, holds immense potential as a catalyst for accelerating sustainability and climate awareness within the nation. Cricket is not merely a game in Nepal; it is a unifying force that fosters national identity and brings the entire country together when the national team plays. This profound emotional connection and widespread acceptance provide an unparalleled platform to disseminate critical messages about environmental conservation and climate action.

Nepal, despite its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, faces significant risks from the adverse effects of climate change. Its diverse topography, fragile geological structure, sensitive ecosystems, and micro-climate zones, coupled with poverty, illiteracy, social disparity, and high dependence on natural resources, make the country highly vulnerable to climate impacts. The rapid increase in atmospheric temperature has led to climate-induced disasters, including reduced and heavy precipitation, droughts, glacial lake outbursts from melting snow, and extensive loss of lives and property due to floods, landslides, windstorms, and wildfires. In this context, leveraging a beloved cultural institution like cricket becomes crucial for fostering a climate-resilient society.

Cricket as a Unifying Force and Platform for Change

The intrinsic bond Nepalis share with cricket makes it an ideal medium for promoting sustainable practices. Former national team captain and current Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, Khadka, embodies this convergence of sport and sustainability. Khadka, who has dedicated over two decades to Nepali cricket as a player and now an administrator, envisions cricket as a thriving industry that not only unifies the nation but also creates livelihoods and elevates Nepal’s global sports presence. His leadership has already seen the launch of landmark initiatives like the Siddharth Bank Nepal Premier League, which is generating significant national and international interest and investment.

Beyond the cricket pitch, Khadka champions sustainable living by partnering with Deepal, a premium electric vehicle (EV) brand. For Khadka, Deepal is more than just a car; it symbolizes Nepal's transition towards eco-friendly transportation and a brighter, sustainable future. His personal values align with efficiency, style, and sustainability, and his association as a proud driver of Deepal's SO7 variant helps the brand garner attention, much like his association with Nepali cricket. This demonstrates how influential figures in cricket can act as powerful ambassadors for eco-conscious choices, leveraging their public image to encourage the adoption of green technologies and lifestyles.

Direct Environmental Initiatives through Cricket Events

International cricket events, while exhilarating, also leave a significant environmental footprint due to travel, waste generation, energy consumption, and water usage. However, they can also be transformed into platforms for environmental action. A prime example is OMODA Nepal's "Nepal Scores, OMODA grows" initiative during the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. Under this campaign, OMODA Nepal pledges to plant trees for every run scored, five trees for every four, and ten trees for every six or wicket taken by Team Nepal. This initiative directly links the team's performance with tangible environmental action, fostering positive environmental change and unity among cricket enthusiasts. Gaurav Sharda, Director of SPG Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., emphasized that such initiatives align with the brand’s core principles of promoting green, low-carbon practices and environmental conservation through advanced technology like electric vehicles, which are pivotal in mitigating air pollution and climate change.

Transforming Cricket Infrastructure and Operations for Sustainability

The concept of "green sports" is gaining traction globally, advocating for eco-friendly practices throughout sporting events and infrastructure. The aim of eco-friendly sports projects is to promote physical activities that benefit health and positively impact the environment, addressing issues like environmental pollution and lack of recycling. Key components of eco-friendly sports events include responsible venue selection and management, robust waste management and recycling initiatives, water conservation, sustainable transportation, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

For Nepal, this means:

• Eco-friendly Stadiums and Infrastructure: Envisioning stadiums fueled by solar energy, with minimal plastic presence, and efficient waste management systems. This includes transforming existing stadiums and designing new ones to adhere to green building standards like LEED. Future efforts can focus on creating green sports infrastructure, such as solar-powered scoreboards and waste-free stadiums.
• Comprehensive Waste Management: Implementing thorough waste management strategies is crucial to reduce waste production and increase composting and recycling. This involves using labeled dustbins, hoardings encouraging proper waste disposal, and providing steel or biodegradable cups at water stations. The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, for example, partnered with Greenmyna to manage approximately 10–12 thousand kilograms of waste per match and save 9000 thrown-away meals.
• Water Conservation: Using water-efficient fixtures, collecting rainwater for pitch maintenance, and encouraging participants to use refillable bottles with ample water refill stations are vital. Cricket fields require large volumes of water for pitch maintenance, which can strain local water bodies.
• Sustainable Transportation: Promoting the use of public transportation, carpooling, bicycling, and electric vehicles for attendees and participants can significantly reduce carbon footprints. The National Climate Change Policy, 2019, specifically prioritizes environment-friendly technology in transportation and encourages the use of electric vehicles.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Sports venues are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, installing solar panels and wind turbines, and implementing rainwater capture systems. This can lead to decreased energy consumption and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The FIFA World Cup 2022 notably utilized an 800 MW solar power plant, making its stadiums 42% more energy efficient than international benchmarks.

Benefits of Eco-Conscious Sports Events

Implementing green practices in cricket events offers multifaceted benefits:

• Environmental Conservation: Directly lowers the environmental impact by reducing waste, saving energy and water, and minimizing environmental damage.
• Public Awareness and Education: Eco-friendly sports events are powerful tools to amplify the reach of sustainability and educate people, potentially inspiring daily eco-friendly practices. The Goldblatt theory of greener events highlights "education" as a core value, promoting ethical behavior towards the environment through memorable event experiences.
• Economic Benefits: Conserving resources through eco-friendly initiatives can lead to significant economic savings. Recycling and composting can extract economic benefits from waste, and coal-free energy alternatives can save millions for organizers.
• Personal Fulfillment and Legacy: Participants and sponsors of environmentally friendly events often feel more fulfilled, knowing they are contributing positively to the environment. These initiatives also leave a positive legacy by investing in sustainable infrastructure and promoting environmental awareness within host communities.

Addressing Challenges in Developing Cricket Nations

While the vision is clear, developing cricket nations like Nepal face significant obstacles in implementing sustainable practices:

• Economic Restraints:
  • Insufficient Finance: Sustainable infrastructure and technologies are often perceived as luxury items for emerging cricket boards, which may lack the necessary financial resources.
  • Priorities: Economic growth and poverty reduction often take precedence over environmental concerns, making it challenging to allocate resources for sustainability initiatives.
• Scanty Awareness: There are often knowledge gaps regarding the environmental footprint of cricket events and the merits of sustainable practices among the general public, players, and even organizers.
• Infrastructure Weaknesses:
  • Poor Waste Disposal: Many developing countries lack adequate solid waste management systems, leading to improper disposal of event-generated waste.
  • Limited Technology Accessibility: Access to energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources can be limited, making carbon reduction difficult.
  • Old Stadiums: Many existing cricket grounds in these countries may lack the modern structures or facilities required to implement comprehensive sustainability concepts.
• Cultural and Behavioral Issues:
  • Fan Behavior Patterns: Changing ingrained fan habits, such as convincing them to carry reusable water bottles or properly dispose of waste, can be problematic.
  • Resistance to Change: New practices and technologies might face resistance due to cultural and behavioral factors.

Strategic Pathways for Nepal

Despite these challenges, there are clear strategies for Nepal to leverage cricket's influence for sustainability:

1. Government Assistance: Securing financial incentives and supportive policies from governmental authorities is crucial. Nepal's National Climate Change Policy, 2076 (2019), already outlines objectives to promote a green economy by adopting low-carbon emission development and to mainstream climate change issues into policies and plans at all levels. The policy also encourages the use of electric vehicles and aims to mobilize national and international financial resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
2. Partnerships: Collaborating with environmental groups, firms, and international organizations can provide expertise, resources, and support for implementing environmental preservation initiatives. Event organizers should actively seek feedback from 'green' experts, vendors, sponsors, and non-profits to expand opportunities for eco-friendly themes.
3. Education and Sensitization: Spreading awareness among fans, players, and staff about cricket’s environmental impact and the need for sustainable development is paramount. The National Climate Change Policy emphasizes awareness raising and capacity development, utilizing mass media for publicity and incorporating climate-friendly knowledge, skills, and practices into formal and non-formal educational curricula. It also suggests forming Eco Clubs in secondary schools to carry out climate change-related activities. This aligns with the "education" pillar of the Goldblatt theory, which promotes ethical behavior through memorable experiences.
4. Starting Small and Growing Gradually: Rather than attempting large-scale changes immediately, cricket organizations in Nepal can begin with smaller, manageable steps, such as ensuring proper waste disposal at matches, which can gradually become part of the culture. This aligns with the "conservation" pillar of Goldblatt's theory, focusing on responsible resource use and waste minimization.
5. Leveraging Cricket's Sway: The widespread popularity and cultural influence of cricket can be effectively utilized to disseminate messages of conservation and encourage positive behavioral changes among its vast fan base. Marketing and media play a vital role here, ensuring that the 'greening' of events is clearly communicated through websites, promotional materials, and even poster campaigns on public transport. Event organizers can incorporate "eco-stations" and reminders to encourage recycling and the use of reusable containers.
6. Developing Green Infrastructure and Event Management: When planning new facilities or upgrading existing ones, adherence to green building standards and the integration of sustainable technologies like solar power, efficient irrigation, and advanced waste sorting systems should be prioritized. The newly launched Siddharth Bank Nepal Premier League, for instance, can serve as a prime example. As the league grows and attracts international interest and investments, it provides an opportunity to incorporate green practices throughout its operations, from district to provincial and central levels. This growth can also indirectly support sustainable tourism and create green livelihoods.
7. Involving All Stakeholders: Event greening should involve all key players from the outset, including participants, spectators, organizers, community members, sponsors, media, and suppliers. This ensures a collective commitment to reducing negative impacts and optimizing opportunities for sustainability. The National Climate Change Policy acknowledges the importance of ensuring accountability and increasing stakeholder participation.

Conclusion

International cricket, with its deep cultural roots and immense popularity in Nepal, presents a powerful and unique opportunity to drive sustainability and climate awareness. By strategically leveraging influential figures, integrating environmental initiatives into events, and transforming infrastructure with green practices, Nepali cricket can lead by example. While challenges related to finance, awareness, and infrastructure exist, they can be overcome through concerted efforts, government support, strategic partnerships, and a gradual, yet consistent, commitment to eco-friendly practices. Ultimately, by embracing sustainable development, Nepal's cricket community can not only preserve natural resources but also enhance its reputation as a globally responsible sporting nation, contributing to a greener, more resilient future for the country. The collective power of "small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world", and in Nepal, cricket offers the perfect stage for such a transformative movement.