IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders Launch ‘Runs To Roots’ Initiative, Pledges 10 Trees Per Run In A Major Sustainability Push

Kolkata Knight Riders started the 2026 'Runs to Roots’ campaign with a tree plantation at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park in Kolkata on 18 April 2026. Co-owner Juhi Chawla-Mehta led the event with NGO Grow Billion Trees, as the IPL side renewed its green pledge.

For TATA IPL 2026, KKR will now plant 10 trees for every run scored. This is a tenfold rise from earlier seasons. The team aims to link match performance with direct ecological gains, turning each run into added tree cover across chosen locations.

From 'Plant a 6’ to large-scale tree drives

KKR’s green work began with the 'Plant a 6’ drive in 2017. The project has since grown into 'Runs to Roots’. The franchise has planted more than 6,000 trees in the Sundarbans and 4,669 trees across Kolkata during the past two IPL seasons.

The franchise also runs a Smart Waste Management project at Eden Gardens and other venues. Over the last two years, this has recycled 53,858 kilograms of waste. KKR says the aim is to build cleaner stadium operations and offer a model for other sporting events.

'Plant a 6' initiative

The 'Plant a 6' initiative, launched in 2017, laid the foundation for sustainability efforts, evolving into multiple impactful campaigns over the years. Tree plantation drives in the Sundarbans have resulted in over 6,000 trees being planted, while similar efforts in Kolkata during the last two IPL seasons have added another 4,669 trees.

Additionally, smart waste management initiatives at Eden Gardens and beyond have led to the recycling of 53,858 kg of waste, highlighting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

Juhi Chawla-Mehta and Venky Mysore on fan impact

Juhi Chawla-Mehta said cricket is a way of life in India and can create “an indelible impact.” She added that KKR wants to use fan energy for “a lasting impact for our future” and praised how 'Runs to Roots’ has grown over the years.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore said the franchise aims to make 'Runs to Roots’ one of cricket’s most impactful sustainability programmes. He noted the pledge of 10 trees per run lifts both ambition and execution, with nearly 5,000 trees planted in the last two seasons.

KKR states that 'Runs to Roots’ converts cricket passion into measurable ecological action. The franchise views this as a long-term promise to sustainability and community change, using its IPL platform to shape eco-conscious behaviour among fans in and beyond Kolkata.