How much water does a cricket pitch drink?

Cricket is a staple at almost every household as it is a game that is universally cherished by almost all age groups. Cricket has proven to be a game of the masses and everyone looks forward to seeing matches such as the World Cup and IPL.

To bring an environmental aspect into it, did you know that a cricket pitch needs an average of 30,000 – 40,000 Litres Of Water each month to be maintained? You heard us right. In order to irrigate a cricket pitch of normal size (22 yards/20.12 m in length and 10 ft/3.05 m in width) you need upto 2500 – 3000 Litres of water each day.

Since cricket grounds aren’t watered every single day, that translates into approximately 40,000 litres a month. This is equal to the amount of water consumed by two families of four per month, in India.

Water scarcity is a highly prevalent issue all over the world in current times and it is highly debated upon, as well. Although a number of measures are being taken by the authorities to enforce water saving and frugal use of water among the masses, the issue seems to grow to no extent. On an average, 75-85 cricket matches are played in India each year.

We do not intend on boring you with the exact amount of water used up due to this, but we would like to emphasise on the fact that it is a LOT of water. In recent times, with protests by farmers who are unable to make a livelihood due to water scarcity, alarming rise in the rates of water scarcity and the threat of nearing Day Zero, it truly raises the question of whether our country is truly utilizing our water carefully.

Entertainment and sports are highly necessary and they have proved to be a pride to our nation. But, maybe it is time to find more eco-friendly and planetary ways to move forward with these games so we can enjoy a good game without raising alarm to our future.