Almost 100,000 tree saplings have been planted as a result of the BCCI’s green initiative, which is running a campaign throughout the four IPL 2023 playoff matches and is based on the number of dot balls bowled.
During the first qualifier match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans on Monday (May 22), it was announced on air that the BCCI had partnered with the Tata Group to launch a tree-planting campaign for the final week of the tournament.
For every dot ball bowled in the four playoff matches, 500 trees will be planted across India. In tandem with this, the dot ball markers on the TV coverage of the tournament have also been changed to tree symbols.
In the first qualifier, when CSK sealed their place in Sunday’s final, 84 dot balls were bowled, resulting in 42,000 tree saplings being planted. In the Eliminator match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, 96 dot balls were bowled as Lucknow Super Giants were bowled out for 101 by Mumbai Indians – meaning 48,000 trees were planted.
A stunning five-wicket-haul saw Akash Madhwal bowl 17 dot deliveries from the 21 he bowled in the match. This means Madhwal’s spell alone was responsible for 8,500 tree saplings being planted.
At the end of the Eliminator match, the dot ball count stood at 68, amounting to a total of 34,000.
The total tally before the final, hence, stands at 124,000.
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