Heat Becomes Cricket’s Deadliest Opponent

Sports injuries from bouncers or falls while fielding are nothing new in cricket across the Indian subcontinent. Here, cricket is more than just a game of bat and ball, it’s an emotion. But this time, it’s not the ball that's hurting the players. It’s the rising, climate change-induced heat that's becoming the spoilsport in the gentleman’s game.

In 2023, during a local cricket match in Katkoot village, Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, 22-year-old Indal Singh Jadhav Banjara was bowling when he suddenly began to feel uneasy. He complained of chest pain and sat under a tree to rest. After the match, he asked his teammates to take him to a nearby hospital. He was referred to Badwah Civil Hospital but sadly died on the way. Doctors confirmed it was a heart attack.

In the 2025 Indian Premier League, stadium thermometers soared past 40°C. As the heat intensified, even top players began to collapse from exhaustion right on the field. Team physios and doctors were seen rushing between the dressing room and the ground, carrying ice packs and hydration salts to keep players on their feet.

A study has been done on the changing climate and its impact on cricket. The report titled Hit for Six: The Danger Zone, looked at 65 IPL games and found that 36 percent were played under “Extreme Caution” heat conditions. An additional 12 percent fell into the “Danger” zone, where the risk of heatstroke becomes serious. These categories are based on the Heat Index, a study which combines temperature and humidity to measure health risk.

“Sweat stings the eyes, gloves turn soggy and the helmet turns into an oven. “ Sunscreen or no, sunburn is always there. Most alarming is the feeling of lightheadedness or nausea, you really have to pay attention to your body to avoid heat exhaustion,” said Shahnawaz, who plays for Tengpora 11, a local cricket team in Srinagar. 

“Cricket will become much harder and more dangerous to play in many places, including Kashmir, as temperatures surge,” he said. “The risks go beyond cramps and fatigue. Heatstroke is a real threat, especially for younger or older players.”

Mike Tipton, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, said the findings reflect a worrying shift.

“Players are now being asked to perform in environments that are not just uncomfortable but potentially dangerous,” said Tipton. “Rising temperatures and humidity are pushing human physiology towards its upper limits.”

The study analysed climate data from 1970 to 2024 across India’s major cricket venues. It found that almost every stadium has seen a steep rise in days where heat exceeds safe thresholds. Thiruvananthapuram topped the list, with 117 hazardous heat days in 2024 alone.

“When I first began playing cricket in Kashmir, the weather was more predictable,” said Shahnawaz.

“Summers were fine, sunny, breezy, allowing matches and tournaments to be organised a bit more easily. But in time, I’ve witnessed a noticeable change in climate patterns. Now we’re getting more frequent summer heatwaves, unexpected periods of rain and even dusty air.”

Kashmir’s average  temperature has increased by about 1.5°C in the last 50 years. In recent years, summer temperatures have reached up to 37°C, higher than the usual 20°C to 30°C range.

Cities once considered moderate, such as Dharamsala, are no longer spared. Mumbai recorded a 125% increase in hazardous heat days since 1970. Urban heat island effects, coupled with humidity, are worsening the situation in cities like Guwahati and Navi Mumbai.

From Kashmir to Down Under, heat has emerged as the new threat to cricket. Rising temperatures have started turning deadly. In March 2025, Adelaide cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan  collapsed and died while batting in 41.7°C heat during a match between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians.

Stadium-wise breakdown

Kristina Dahl, Vice President of Science at Climate Central, said the trend is clear.

“Climate change is increasing the number of days when extreme heat threatens the health of both cricket fans and cricket players,” said Dahl. “This will continue as long as we keep burning fossil fuels.”

Climate Change and Cricket Collide

2025 is on track to be one of the top three hottest years on record. The report links the cause directly to coal, oil and gas use. And the effects go beyond India.

In Australia, players and fans are dealing with fire risks, heatwaves, and long droughts. In South Africa, cricket matches have been cancelled due to both extreme heat and persistent rainfall. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, recent heatwaves have turned deadly, made far more likely by climate change.

Cricketers are beginning to speak out. Ashton Turner, who plays in the IPL and for Australia, called for the sport to face reality.

“We can’t separate cricket from the places we play in,” said Turner. “It’s time cricket wakes up to climate change, not just for our sport’s future, but for the countries we represent.”

Former West Indies captain Daren Ganga added that climate change is now the sport’s biggest challenge.

“I have played in blistering heat and vividly recall the nausea, dizziness, and cramps that come with heatstroke,” said Ganga. “This is an existential threat. It’s only going to get worse for the next generation.”

Young players are already experiencing the effects at the grassroots level. Raghav from Toss Cricket Academy in Delhi said players struggle in the heat.

“It’s brutal. The pitch dries out faster. Batsmen can’t play their shots. It’s a growing concern,” he added.

Mohammad Kaif of Wonders Club in Noida echoed that sentiment.

“Cricket doesn’t feel the same. It’s a bit scary because we don’t know how bad it’ll get.”

Changing the Game

The growing number of extreme heat days is affecting everything from pitch quality to match outcomes. Matches are being shortened or delayed. Players are experiencing cramps, fatigue and more serious heat-related symptoms.

Simon Katich, former Australian Test batsman, described how even junior cricket is being hit.

“My son’s games were cancelled at least four times in the most recent season,” he said. “Rainfall and extreme heat are both playing a role.”

The report ends with a call to action from Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action.

“Cricket cannot escape climate change. But it can make a difference,” said Hart. “This sport is uniquely positioned to inspire real change. From grassroots to governing bodies, those who love and lead must take bold action.”

What Cricket Needs to Do

The report’s main recommendation, which is beyond the direct control of cricket, is to stop using coal, oil, and gas. That’s the most effective way to cut carbon emissions and slow down climate change.

Kristina Dahl from Climate Central said extreme heat is already putting players and fans at risk across India. She warns that unless we stop burning fossil fuels, conditions will keep getting worse. To protect the sport, cricket authorities must rethink the calendar and avoid scheduling matches during the hottest times of the year.

If temperatures continue to rise, boards may need to shift games to cooler times of day or move matches indoors to protect players from heat-related illnesses.

The report outlines specific steps for cricket boards. It recommends following the example of Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board by setting clear heat safety rules. It also calls for annual reviews of these heat policies.

Cricket boards are encouraged to sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. The report also urges them to reconsider commercial partnerships with fossil fuel companies, such as the ICC’s deal with Saudi oil firm Aramco.

Investing in eco-friendly stadiums and heat-resilient infrastructure is another priority. These changes can help the sport adapt to rising temperatures and protect the people who play and watch the game.

UN adviser Selwin Hart said cricket must act now. He believes that major cricketing nations have the power to set an example.

“Cricket brings people together. Let’s use that power to push for real climate action, so the next generation can keep playing the game under clear skies,” he said.

The report makes clear that if cricket is to survive in a warming world, it must adapt quickly. That means rethinking match timings, revising player safety protocols, and cutting the sport’s own carbon footprint. The heat is no longer just a background condition; it’s becoming the story.

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