Cricket originally a summer sport, is facing an existential crisis from extreme heat tied to climate change. Extreme heat now impacts all levels of the game. Be it an Olympic or international competition or a local club level competition, the impact is tremendous. A recent report titled “Hit for Six: The Danger Zone” highlights the increasing physical strain on players as temperatures soar, raising concerns about player safety and performance.
In 2024, India faced a record-breaking heat wave. The country registered 52 days with temperatures of at least 37 degrees Celsius, surpassing the five-year average of 46 days. Australia was not far behind, suffering an average of 46 days above that threshold. Pakistan’s case is even worse, with an annual average of 83 days at or above 37 degrees Celsius. These figures underscore the increasing prevalence of deadly heat days across multiple Indian metropolis. This addition goes a long way toward improving cricketing circumstances.
During the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), more than half of the 65 matches occurred in extreme heat. The Heat Index categorized these conditions as Extreme Caution or Danger. This poses serious issues for player safety and the integrity of the game. Kolkata Knight Riders’ owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was hospitalized with heat stroke earlier that week. He got sick around the time of the IPL Final in Ahmedabad.
Impact on Player Performance and Safety
Temperatures continue rising at a rapid rate. Consequently, almost 47 percent of cricket games have been rated as “poor” quality or below, and five matches were held in “unhealthy” air quality. Over half of these games were played in conditions that would put the players at risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion. Alarmingly, for stadiums that hosted day matches, nine matches escaped triggering any type of heat warning.
Dr. Mike Tipton, a world leader in human physiology and extreme environments, discussed the significance of these changes. He zeroed in specifically on their impact on player safety. He continued, “Players today are subjected to performance conditions that are more than uncomfortable. The increase in temperature and humidity is testing the bounds of human physiology making these environments dangerous.
In addition to raising awareness of humanitarian crises, Dr. Tipton highlighted the impact of long-term extreme weather on cricketing nations. And on top of that, we’re already seeing a distinct trend towards not just hotter heat days, but more critically, more of these extreme intermittent heat spikes,” he added.
“After one game, where I had only really been batting for about 45 minutes to an hour, I couldn’t breathe in the humidity and I had to sit down for 15 minutes,” she recounted. Her testimony serves as a reminder of the tragic hazards players encounter in extreme heat environments.
Call for Policy Changes
In response to these pressing issues, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board have implemented new heat policy guidelines aimed at safeguarding players during extreme weather. The report recommends that national federations across the globe implement similar policies in order to safeguard a consistent standard of player safety.
Co-host Daren Ganga—a former cricketer and current West Indies commentator—reflected on the seriousness of the crisis confronting the sport. There is no question in my mind that today cricket is under its greatest examination,” he said. Ganga’s point was to drive home that concerns over formats or TV contracts pale in comparison. The actual threat is the existential threat posed by climate change.
Humanity’s greatest challenge This challenge is indeed existential, and it assumes the form of a quickly warming climate. The urgency for action has never been more apparent as cricket bodies face overwhelming pressure to be proactive in addressing these new norms.
Ashton Turner too expressed his concerns over the impact of climate change on cricket. I have seen how our changing climate is making an impact on our game. The debilitating air pollution in Delhi and the sweltering heat of Australian summer are two such cases. His perspective makes clear that this issue goes beyond one game or one World Cup—it goes to the core of the sport.
The Future of Cricket in a Changing Climate
As temperatures keep rising, the future of cricket is up in the air. But players at every level of the game now face increased risk and obstacles. These conditions jeopardize not just their effectiveness, but their health and safety. This rapid evolution requires swift and decisive action from those governing the course of play and all sport participants.
Based on the suggestions laid out, the report illustrates an urgent need for action. Without detailed clarifications, cricket may forgo its spirit and appeal to remedy these ecological shifts.
