KOLKATA
The Kolkata Knight Riders are turning cricket scores into a green forest this year. Co-owner Juhi Chawla Mehta officially launched the 2026 ‘Runs to Roots’ project at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park. This season, the team is making a massive promise: they will plant ten trees for every single run they score in the IPL.
This new goal is ten times bigger than what they have done in the past. Working with the NGO ‘Grow Billion Trees,’ KKR wants to turn the excitement of the stadium into real help for the planet. The team has a long history of being eco-friendly, starting with their ‘Plant a 6’ campaign back in 2017. Since then, they have planted thousands of trees in places like the Sundarbans and all across Kolkata.
“Cricket is a way of life here,” Juhi Chawla Mehta said during the event. She believes the sport can inspire millions to care for the Earth. It’s not just about trees, either. At Eden Gardens, the team has already recycled over 53,000 kilograms of trash to keep the city clean. KKR CEO Venky Mysore said the team is determined to lead the way in sports sustainability. By linking every run to ten new trees, the franchise is inviting fans to cheer for both a win and a greener future. As the players hit the field this season, every boundary will mean a healthier, leafier world for everyone to enjoy.