IPL 2026: KKR Co-Owner Juhi Chawla Mehta Commits to Planting 10 Trees Per Run Under ‘Runs to Roots’ Initiative

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) began the 2026 edition of its 'Runs to Roots’ drive. The franchise said it will plant 10 trees for every run scored. The pledge applies during TATA IPL 2026. KKR said the new target is ten times higher than earlier seasons.

The campaign started with a plantation activity at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park in Kolkata. KKR Co-Owner Juhi Chawla-Mehta opened the event. KKR worked with the NGO 'Grow Billion Trees’ for the drive. The franchise framed the plan as a step towards stronger environmental responsibility.

KKR described 'Runs to Roots’ as a way to turn match action into local ecological work. The franchise said fan interest can support on-ground planting and community change. KKR added that the programme is part of a longer sustainability effort. It also said the aim is measurable impact, not one-off activity.

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."

KKR said its environmental work began with the 'Plant a 6’ campaign in 2017. The franchise said it planted over 6,000 trees in the Sundarbans. It also reported adding 4,669 trees across Kolkata over the past two IPL seasons. Alongside planting, KKR cited 53,858 kgs of recycled waste in two years.

Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer at KKR, added, "At KKR, we are committed to scaling 'Runs to Roots' into one of cricket's most impactful sustainability programmes. This season, by pledging 10 trees per run, we are significantly raising the bar - both in ambition and execution. The momentum from planting close to 5,000 trees in the past two seasons gives us a strong foundation to deliver meaningful, measurable impact in 2026."

Runs to Roots sits alongside the wider Knight Riders cricket network

The Knight Riders brand runs four T20 franchises across different leagues. It has nine trophies across the group, KKR said. KKR also outlined key results for its teams, including IPL titles and Caribbean achievements. The network also includes a development programme through the Knight Riders Academy.

KKR said the 2026 version of 'Runs to Roots’ expands earlier planting targets. The franchise linked the pledge to run-scoring during TATA IPL 2026. It also pointed to past planting totals and waste recycling figures. KKR said the combined efforts are meant to support sustainability and community-led action.