Front Foot Action

The PCA recognises climate change as one of the most urgent global challenges, with cricket already feeling its effects. Extreme heatwaves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating pitch conditions are disrupting fixtures and threatening player welfare.

Cricket’s reliance on stable weather and natural surfaces makes it especially vulnerable. According to the Hit For Six 2 report in 2025, OVER half of Indian Premier League matches were played under “extreme caution” or “danger” heat conditions, posing serious health risks. Whilst the Game Changer research showed evidence for increasing rates of rain-affected matches and abandonment across the professional game in England & Wales.

Rising temperatures and humidity increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and long-term health issues, especially for younger players. Grounds like Lord’s are already experiencing hotter summers and more unpredictable rainfall, challenging pitch management.

In response, and driven by member feedback, the PCA has launched the Front Foot Action Sustainability Plan. It outlines steps to reduce environmental impact, build resilience, and promote sustainability. The plan complements the ECB’s priorities: tackling climate change, managing resources, reducing waste, and protecting nature. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to a resilient, responsible future for cricket.

To advance our Sustainability Plan, we have become members of the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS), an organisation that offers expert guidance to sports venues, clubs, and governing bodies.

BASIS employs a framework of 12 guiding principles, organised under three interrelated pillars, to support the effective management and evaluation of sustainability performance. These principles have been embedded within the PCA’s Front Foot Action Sustainability Plan to ensure a structured and comprehensive approach to our environmental commitments.

The PCA’s Environmental Sustainability Report for 2024 was produced by Net Zero Group. We calculated our carbon footprint, establishing a baseline to measure future performance against, covering Scopes 1 and 2 and 3 emissions related to business travel and employee commuting only.

While the PCA’s direct emissions were noted to be relatively low, the majority stem from staff travel to engage with members and to host or attend events. As a result, we are exploring implementing a Sustainable Travel Policy to help us achieve our target of reducing travel emissions by 25% by 2030.

Through the NetZero Portal, all PCA employees can measure, reduce and share their Carbon Footprint. We continue to have regular contact with former cricketer Joe Cooke, who has been working as a Carbon Consultant at Net Zero Group since 2023, as the PCA endeavours to reduce our direct carbon footprint, whilst also recognising our unique position to influence others across the wider cricketing community to think sustainably. 

The PCA encourages its employees to take part in volunteering opportunities within their local community as part of the ‘Pay it Forward’ scheme.

In September 2025, five employees from the London office used the opportunity to assist HandsOn London at Burgess Park with their BrightenUp London Campaign. Volunteers work is crucial in making the place safer and more accessible, whilst preserving the important conservation areas and woodlands.

The volunteering days are evidence of how we can all make a difference and contribute positively to the environment. We plan on continuing our support to other projects that promote sustainability moving forward.

“Thanks to the PCA team we were able to positively restore the Chumleigh Garden for the Autumn and help keep this green space attractive for pollinators and local people. The team was incredibly enthusiastic and did a fantastic job. By supporting this park, they were also supporting the many other green spaces we develop throughout our BrightenUp London campaign. Great work!”

– Jon, HandsOn London