British report compares environmental conditions of IPL and PSL 2025
IPL’s Shine Overshadowed by Health Risks
The Indian Premier League (IPL) may be one of the richest cricket leagues in the world, attracting top international talent, but a new report raises serious concerns about the health and safety of players during the tournament. The British organization BASIS (British Association for Sustainable Sport) has released a detailed study examining how climate and environmental conditions affected professional cricket during the 2025 seasons of the IPL and PSL.
High Temperatures Pose Serious Threats in IPL 2025
According to the BASIS report, the 2025 IPL season was plagued by extreme heat, making it a potentially hazardous event for cricketers. Out of the 65 matches played:
Only 9 matches were played in temperatures below 26.7°C
20 matches were played in conditions ranging from 29°C to 32°C, which the report labels as unsuitable for high-performance sport
27 matches experienced extremely high temperatures between 32°C and 39°C, raising red flags for player safety
In 9 matches, temperatures soared between 39°C and 51°C, creating dangerous conditions that could result in heatstroke, cramps, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses
The findings suggest that many IPL games were conducted in unsafe environments, putting player well-being at risk for the sake of scheduling and commercial demands.
PSL Emerges as a Safer Alternative
In contrast, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 received a more favorable environmental review. BASIS collected parallel data from PSL matches and found that Pakistan’s weather during the same period was significantly milder, offering better conditions for athletes.
Key takeaways from the PSL 2025 analysis:
17 matches were played in temperatures below 26°C
15 matches were played in the moderate range of 26.7°C to 32.2°C, considered generally safe but with mild concerns
Only 2 matches crossed into the “concerning” zone:
May 18 in Rawalpindi: Multan vs Quetta was played at 32.4°C
May 23 in Lahore: Islamabad vs Lahore Eliminator match was held at 33.1°C
These figures highlight the more climate-responsible scheduling of PSL, possibly due to its timing, venue selection, or better planning based on regional weather patterns.
Climate Change and Cricket: A Growing Concern
The BASIS report also touches on the broader issue of climate change’s impact on global sports, especially outdoor events like cricket. With rising temperatures and poor air quality becoming more frequent, the report urges cricket boards, broadcasters, and governing bodies to reconsider match timings, invest in heat management, and prioritize athlete health over commercial interests.
Final Thoughts: Time for a Rethink?
The contrast between IPL and PSL in 2025 presents a clear call to action. While the IPL dazzles with star power and financial muscle, it must take urgent steps to address health and safety risks posed by harsh environmental conditions. The PSL, though smaller in scale, has shown that safer planning is possible—and should serve as a model for other leagues.
