The ICC World Cup is a spectacle like no other, drawing fans from all corners of the globe. With cricket’s most prestigious tournament often hosted across multiple cities and nations, fans must consider not just how they travel, but how to travel sustainably. This year, as the excitement builds, it’s vital for travelers to think beyond the matches and contribute to a greener planet. But how does one balance the thrill of the World Cup with eco-friendly travel?
The Carbon Footprint of Sports Events

Large international sporting events like the ICC World Cup are notorious for generating significant carbon emissions. According to a report by the United Nations, sporting events contribute approximately 5.4% of global CO2 emissions annually. The bulk of this comes from the travel required—flights, long drives, and cross-country trains.
At the same time, the urge to watch ICC is hard to resist. Yes, we can catch the ICC World Cup even at home, and that’s our basic plan. Personal attendance at the competitions will give more impressions and you don’t necessarily have to give them up. The journey to reduce your travel footprint doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the fan experience.
Step 1: Opt for Greener Transportation
How can a fan make smarter transportation choices? First and foremost, whenever possible, choose direct flights instead of layovers. Direct flights produce fewer emissions as takeoffs and landings are the most carbon-intensive part of air travel. And if you can, book economy class instead of business—fewer emissions per seat due to the higher density of passengers.
For local travel, think of public transportation. A bus or train journey across a host city is infinitely better for the environment than hiring a private car. In fact, studies show that traveling by train reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to flights. Plus, it’s an opportunity to mingle with local fans and soak up the culture, turning transit into part of the experience.
Step 2: Stay Close to the Action
Want to keep things low-emission? Stay closer to the stadiums. Choosing accommodations near match venues not only reduces the need for transportation but also lets you explore the area on foot or by bike. Walking is the ultimate zero-carbon transport, and many cities hosting ICC matches have made significant strides in creating pedestrian-friendly areas around stadiums. It’s sustainable, healthy, and, most importantly, it allows you to stumble upon hidden gems—cafés, parks, and scenic routes you’d miss if zooming past in a car.
Moreover, some host cities may offer bike rental services or electric scooters as alternatives for short-distance travel. In 2019, over 60% of host cities for major sporting events across Europe adopted bike-sharing schemes, and a similar trend is spreading globally.
Step 3: Support Eco-Friendly Accommodation
It’s easy to overlook, but where you stay can have a significant environmental impact. Sustainable hotels have emerged in most major cities, offering green-certified accommodations that prioritize renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management. Before booking, check if your hotel has certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or EarthCheck, which ensure that they meet global sustainability standards.
Some accommodations go above and beyond with eco-friendly initiatives. These include organic dining options, electric vehicle charging stations, and even programs where you can offset your stay’s carbon footprint by contributing to reforestation projects. So while you enjoy the ICC World Cup, you can rest assured that your lodging choices aren’t costing the Earth.
Step 4: Minimize Waste
In a world where single-use plastics and packaging are rampant, cricket fans need to adopt the mindset of waste reduction. Think about the number of disposable cups, plates, and utensils used at stadiums—most of which are discarded within minutes. During the 2019 ICC World Cup, it was estimated that over 10,000 plastic bottles were used per match. To combat this, carry your own reusable water bottle, a portable cutlery set, or even collapsible coffee cups. Small changes, big impact.
And when it comes to shopping for souvenirs, go for locally sourced, handmade items rather than mass-produced merchandise. Not only do you support local economies, but you also reduce the demand for energy-intensive manufacturing processes and long-distance shipping.
Step 5: Be Mindful of Energy Consumption
Even when you’re on vacation, reducing your energy consumption can make a significant difference. In your hotel room, turn off lights, air conditioners, and appliances when not in use. Take shorter showers and reuse towels instead of requesting daily replacements. According to the World Wildlife Fund, such small, mindful actions can cut your personal energy use by up to 15% during a trip.
Many sporting fans forget that the fun doesn’t have to come with excessive electricity usage. Why not unplug after the match by exploring the city instead of retreating to hours of screen time? Nature hikes, city tours, or simply lounging in a local park can be just as rewarding—and definitely less energy-intensive.
Step 6: Offset Your Carbon Emissions
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can’t completely eliminate your carbon footprint, especially when long-distance travel is involved. That’s where carbon offset programs come into play. By purchasing carbon offsets, you can fund projects that reduce or capture carbon emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy development. In fact, some airlines now offer passengers the option to buy carbon offsets directly when booking flights. A study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that if just 1% of global air travelers offset their flights, it could remove over 50 million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually.
Before flying to the ICC World Cup, consider calculating the carbon emissions of your journey and purchasing offsets to counterbalance them. This small act can make your travel carbon-neutral and contribute to long-term environmental initiatives.

Step 7: Embrace Digital Tickets and Guides
The days of printed tickets and bulky guidebooks are numbered. One way to travel more sustainably during the ICC World Cup is to fully embrace digital solutions. Many stadiums now offer e-tickets, reducing the need for printed materials, which contribute to paper waste and deforestation. By switching to digital tickets, you’re taking a simple yet effective step toward reducing your personal environmental footprint.
Likewise, instead of purchasing physical guidebooks or maps, use mobile apps and online resources for navigating the host cities. In 2021, the Global Environmental Impact Survey found that switching to digital alternatives could save up to 4 million trees annually across major global events. With everything from match schedules to local transit maps available at your fingertips, going digital is both convenient and eco-friendly.
The Power of Collective Action
Imagine if every fan traveling to the ICC World Cup made just one of these sustainable choices. A collective shift in behavior could result in significant reductions in emissions, waste, and environmental degradation. In fact, according to recent statistics, if just 10% of attendees opted for greener transportation methods, it could offset more than 100 tons of CO2 per event.
The beauty of sustainability is that it’s not an all-or-nothing game. Every small effort counts, and when those efforts are multiplied across thousands—or millions—of cricket fans, the impact becomes staggering.
Final Thoughts
Cricket is a sport built on respect—for the rules, for the players, and for tradition. But as we head into this year’s ICC World Cup, it’s time to extend that respect to the planet we all share. By making thoughtful choices about how we travel, where we stay, and how we consume resources, we can ensure that our passion for the game doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Travel sustainably, cheer loudly, and leave only memories behind.