Cricket Climate Crisis: A Growing Threat to Grassroots Cricket in 2025

As the climate crisis accelerates, its impact on sports, particularly cricket, has become increasingly visible. Grassroots cricket clubs across the UK are on the frontlines of this challenge, grappling with extreme weather events that threaten their survival. From flooding to prolonged droughts, the cricket climate crisis is a growing concern, and it’s set to be a bigger issue than ever in 2025.

The Growing Threat of Flooding to Grassroots Cricket

Flooding has become an increasingly persistent issue for cricket clubs, particularly those located near rivers or on floodplains. In the 2024-25 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 enduring its fourth flood of the season. As climate change continues to intensify, the frequency and severity of these flooding events are expected to increase, exacerbating the cricket climate crisis.

Flooding doesn’t just halt play—it inflicts long-term damage. Pitches are ruined, equipment is destroyed, and infrastructure suffers. For example, Ross-on-Wye Cricket Club, historically accustomed to flooding once every five years, has been inundated 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 So Much More

The phrase “rain stops play” has long been synonymous with cricket, but in the current climate, it carries a far heavier meaning. Extreme rainfall not only disrupts matches but also leaves clubs grappling with long-term damage. Grounds rendered unusable by flooding or waterlogged pitches can halt entire seasons, depriving clubs of vital match-day revenues and jeopardizing their financial stability.

Droughts and Water Scarcity: A Parallel Challenge

While flooding often dominates headlines, droughts and water scarcity are equally significant aspects of the cricket climate crisis. Clubs in drier regions face cracked pitches, browning outfields, and challenges maintaining the quality of their facilities. Without adequate water supplies, keeping playing surfaces safe and playable becomes a logistical and financial nightmare. This dual threat—flooding in one region and drought in another—underscores the complex challenges posed by the cricket climate crisis.

Financial and Logistical Strains on Clubs

The financial impact of the cricket climate crisis is immense. Flooded pitches need to be drained, cleaned, and repaired. Equipment damaged by water often has to be replaced entirely. For some clubs, the costs of flood-proofing infrastructure are simply out of reach without external funding.

Consider Corbridge Cricket Club, which suffered catastrophic flooding during Storm Desmond in 2015. Six feet of water inundated the ground, destroying the clubhouse. Their recovery involved rebuilding a raised social pavilion and a flood-resistant changing room, but this came at a significant financial cost. The funding came from a mix of ECB grants, council support, charitable donations, and insurance. However, not all clubs are so fortunate. 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 posed by 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:

• Creating 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 offseason, can prevent costly losses.
• Maintaining drainage systems: Ensuring that culverts and drains are clear and functional can help water recede quickly after flooding, reducing the duration and impact of damage.
• Applying for funding: Grants under the ECB’s Tackling Climate Change theme and the County Grants Fund provide financial support for resilience-building measures, such as flood-proofing infrastructure or drought mitigation efforts.
• Community engagement: By involving local volunteers and fostering community spirit, clubs can pool resources to tackle the challenges collectively.

Using Spond to Manage the Fallout from Flooding Incidents

In the aftermath of flooding 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 notifying members of pitch closures, rescheduling matches, or coordinating clean-up efforts, Spond ensures everyone stays connected. The ability to send instant messages and updates reduces confusion, enabling clubs to manage the fallout from flooding efficiently and maintain their community spirit despite challenging circumstances.

The Role of Sustainability in Cricket’s Future

Beyond disaster planning, sustainability must play a central role in addressing the cricket climate crisis. Measures like 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 preserving that harmony will require concerted efforts at every level of the game.

The Road Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

The cricket climate crisis 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 2024-25 storm season has already shown how vulnerable clubs are to extreme weather, and these challenges are only expected to grow.

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

Grassroots cricket clubs are the heart of their communities. They foster talent, build camaraderie, and provide a space for people to connect. As we move into 2025, safeguarding these clubs from the cricket climate crisis is not just about protecting the sport—it’s about preserving the communities that cherish it.

Find Out More:

• Spond.com
• The Spond App
• Spond Club
• Cricket on Spond 
• The Guardian: Cricket’s flooding problem is getting worse