A growing threat to grassroots clubs

As the climate crisis accelerates, its impact on sport, particularly cricket, has become increasingly visible. Grassroots cricket clubs across the UK are on the front line of this challenge, struggling with extreme weather conditions that threaten their survival. From floods to prolonged droughts, the climate crisis in cricket is a growing concern, and will become a bigger problem than ever by 2025.

The growing threat of flooding to grassroots cricket

Flooding has become an increasingly persistent problem for cricket clubs, especially those near rivers or on floodplains. In the 2024-2025 storm season alone, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reported that 27 clubs had already been affected, with Worcestershire's iconic New Road ground experiencing its fourth flood of the season. As climate change continues to intensify, the frequency and severity of these floods are expected to increase, worsening cricket's climate crisis.

Floods not only stop the game, but also cause long-term damage. Fields have been destroyed, equipment has been destroyed and infrastructure is suffering. For example, Ross-on-Wye Cricket Club, which has traditionally been used to flooding once every five years, has been flooded three times since September 2024. These repeated floods illustrate the growing challenges faced by grassroots cricket clubs and highlight the urgent need for adaptation.

Rain stops play, and more

The phrase 'rain stops the game' has long been synonymous with cricket, but in the current climate it carries a much heavier meaning. Extreme rainfall not only disrupts matches, but also leaves clubs with long-term damage. Grounds rendered unusable by flooding or sodden pitches can halt entire seasons, depriving clubs of vital matchday income and threatening their financial stability.

Drought and water scarcity: a parallel challenge

While floods often dominate headlines, drought and water scarcity are equally important aspects of cricket's climate crisis. Clubs in drier regions face cracked pitches, browned outfields and challenges in maintaining the quality of their facilities. Without an adequate water supply, keeping playing surfaces safe and playable becomes a logistical and financial nightmare. This dual threat of floods in one region and drought in another underlines the complex challenges posed by the cricket climate crisis.

Financial and logistical tensions for clubs

The financial impact of the cricket climate crisis is enormous. Flooded fields need to be drained, cleaned and repaired. Water-damaged equipment often requires complete replacement. For some clubs, the cost of flood-proofing infrastructure is simply out of reach without external funding.

Take Corbridge Cricket Club, which suffered catastrophic flooding during Storm Desmond in 2015. Two meters of water flooded the ground and destroyed the clubhouse. Their rehabilitation included the rebuilding of a raised social pavilion and a flood-proof changing room, but this came at a significant financial cost. The funding came from a mix of ECB grants, municipal support, charity donations and insurance. However, not all clubs are so lucky. Securing insurance for flood-prone areas is becoming increasingly difficult, leaving many clubs financially vulnerable.

What can clubs do to tackle the cricket climate crisis?

The ECB and other governing bodies have recognized the challenges of the cricket climate crisis and are working to support clubs. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each club must assess its unique risks and develop a tailored response. Some practical steps include:

• Making a flood plan: Clubs are encouraged to identify risks, plan responses and assign responsibilities to minimize damage. Simple actions such as moving equipment to higher ground during the off-season can prevent costly losses.
• Maintaining drainage systems: Ensuring culverts and drains are clear and functional allows water to recede quickly after a flood, reducing the duration and impact of damage.
• Applying for financing: Subsidies under the ECB Tackling climate change theme and the Provincial grant fund provide financial support for resilience measures, such as flood-proofing infrastructure or drought mitigation efforts.
• Community involvementBy involving local volunteers and fostering community spirit, clubs can pool their resources to tackle challenges collectively.

Using sponge to manage the consequences of flooding incidents

In the aftermath of floods or other extreme weather events, effective communication becomes critical. Spond provides grassroots cricket clubs with a reliable platform to keep players, parents and supporters informed during crises. Whether it's informing members about field closures, rescheduling matches or coordinating cleaning efforts, Spond ensures everyone stays connected. The ability to send instant messages and updates reduces confusion, allowing clubs to efficiently manage the impact of flooding and maintain their community spirit despite challenging conditions.

The role of sustainability in the future of crickets

In addition to disaster planning, sustainability must play a central role in tackling the cricket climate crisis. Measures such as using water-efficient technologies, switching to renewable energy and promoting carbon reduction initiatives can help mitigate the broader impacts of climate change. Cricket is a sport that thrives in harmony with its environment, and maintaining that harmony requires concerted efforts at every level of the game.

The way forward: 2025 and beyond

The climate crisis in cricket is here to stay. For grassroots clubs, the risks are clear and the stakes are high. Without adequate planning and support, many clubs face an uncertain future. The 2024-2025 storm season has already shown how vulnerable clubs are to extreme weather, and these challenges are only expected to increase.

However, with proactive measures, clubs can increase their resilience. Whether it is improved infrastructure, better planning or sustainable practices, cricket has the ability to adapt to these challenges. The ECB's focus on resilience financing and awareness campaigns is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the game's survival.

Grassroots cricket clubs are at the heart of their communities. They nurture talent, build camaraderie and provide space for people to connect. As we move into 2025, protecting these clubs from the cricket climate crisis is not just about protecting the sport, but also about preserving the communities that nurture it.

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