Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
IPL 2026: When Royal Challengers Bengaluru step onto the field against Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, it won’t just be another IPL fixture-it will be a statement.
RCB’s switch to their signature green jersey is more than a visual change. It is a reminder of a sustainability journey that began over a decade ago and has now become central to the franchise’s identity. The kit itself, made from recycled materials, reflects a broader push that goes far beyond matchday symbolism.
In IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru champions sustainability through its green jersey, positioning itself as the first carbon-neutral T20 franchise by meticulously tracking emissions and implementing eco-friendly matchday practices.
From Initiative to Identity
What started in 2011 as a campaign has evolved into a structured, data-driven programme. RCB today positions itself as the only carbon-neutral T20 franchise, with ambitions to go even further-towards becoming carbon positive.
Behind that claim lies meticulous tracking. From team travel and hotel stays to stadium electricity use and fuel consumption, almost every operational detail is measured. The goal is not just to offset emissions, but to understand and reduce them over time.
Matchday Goes Green
The most visible part of this effort plays out in the stands. RCB studies how fans travel to games, encouraging a shift away from private vehicles. Match tickets double up as metro passes, nudging supporters towards public transport and lowering the overall carbon footprint.
Inside the stadium, waste is closely monitored and segregated, while solar-powered lighting and reduced reliance on conventional energy sources add to the effort. Fans are also drawn into the initiative through sustainability pledges, making them active participants rather than passive spectators.
Performance Meets Purpose
RCB’s strong run in IPL 2026-four wins in five matches-has amplified the reach of this message. Success on the field ensures that the green jersey, and what it stands for, gets noticed.
In a league driven by high energy and big moments, RCB’s approach offers a different kind of impact-one that extends beyond cricket, aiming to shape behaviour and conversations around sustainability.
