Cricket Faces Existential Climate Heat Threat Across Nations

Cricket is increasingly threatened by climate change, with extreme heat and humidity posing significant risks to players and the future of the sport. The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) saw over half of its matches played in conditions categorized as "Extreme Caution" or "Danger" on the Heat Index, raising concerns about player safety due to risks like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. A report titled "Hit for Six: The Danger Zone," produced by several organizations including the British Association for Sustainability in Sport and Climate Central, highlights how rising temperatures and poor air quality are pushing athletes to perform in unsafe environments. Former West Indies captain Daren Ganga emphasized that this is an existential challenge for cricket, overshadowing traditional concerns about formats and commercial interests. The report also notes that countries like Pakistan, India, and Australia have experienced numerous dangerously hot days, directly affecting cricket at all levels. The combination of extreme weather and air pollution threatens not only player health but also the long-term viability of cricket in major regions worldwide.