Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have officially launched the 2026 edition of their flagship sustainability programme, ‘Runs to Roots’, with a plantation drive at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park in Kolkata. The initiative was inaugurated by co-owner Juhi Chawla Mehta, in collaboration with the NGO Grow Billion Trees.
This year marks a significant escalation in ambition. KKR has committed to planting 10 trees for every run scored during IPL 2026, multiplying their earlier efforts tenfold and positioning the campaign as one of the most aggressive sustainability drives linked to sport.
From ‘Plant a 6’ to a Scalable Ecosystem
KKR’s environmental journey has steadily evolved over the years. Beginning with the ‘Plant a 6’ campaign in 2017, the franchise transitioned into the broader ‘Runs to Roots’ initiative, scaling both reach and measurable outcomes.
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Their efforts include planting over 6,000 trees in the ecologically sensitive Sundarbans and adding nearly 4,700 trees across Kolkata in the last two IPL seasons alone. Beyond afforestation, KKR has also strengthened its sustainability footprint through smart waste management systems at Eden Gardens, recycling more than 53,000 kilograms of waste in two years.
This integrated approach reflects a shift from symbolic gestures to structured environmental impact, combining fan engagement, operational sustainability, and long-term ecological goals.
The initiative and its core
Speaking on the initiative, Juhi Chawla-Mehta, KKR Co-owner and environmental advocate, said, “Cricket has always been more than a sport in our country – it is a way of life for millions, and has the potential to create an indelible impact. At KKR, we truly believe that sport has the power to drive meaningful action. With ‘Runs to Roots’, we’re harnessing the incredible energy of fans to create a lasting impact for our future. We’re incredibly proud of how this initiative has continued to evolve and has inspired people over the years.”
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At its core, ‘Runs to Roots’ converts on-field performance into off-field ecological action, making every run count beyond the scoreboard. By aligning cricketing success with environmental responsibility, KKR is not only engaging fans but also setting a precedent for how sports franchises can drive large-scale, community-led sustainability efforts.
