Key Points

KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla kicked off the 2025 Runs to Roots campaign with players at Banabitan Biodiversity Park. The initiative plants one tree per run scored during IPL matches, resulting in 2,667 saplings last season. Chawla emphasized cricket's power to unite fans for environmental causes while CEO Venky Mysore highlighted KKR's sustainability legacy. Fans can track ecological impact through match statistics as the team aims to surpass 2024's planting numbers.

Key Points: KKR's Juhi Chawla Launches 2025 Runs to Roots Tree Planting Drive

  • KKR plants trees for every IPL run scored
  • Initiative evolved from 2017's 'Plant a 6'
  • 2,667 trees planted in 2024 season
  • Focus on Kolkata's urban green spaces
2 min read

KKR's 'Runs to Roots' returns: KKR Co-owner Juhi Chawla, cricket stars plant first trees of 2025 initiative

KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla and players plant trees for Runs to Roots initiative, converting IPL runs into environmental impact since 2017.

"Every run scored by our players this season will directly contribute to planting trees - real action for a greener future - Juhi Chawla"

Kolkata, May 24

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) commenced the 2025 edition of their environmental initiative 'Runs to Roots', with a tree planting ceremony at Banabitan Biodiversity Park. KKR Co-owner Juhi Chawla led the event alongside players Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Anukul Roy, according to a release from KKR.

Over the years, KKR has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation through various initiatives. What began in 2017 as 'Plant a 6' has evolved into 'Runs to Roots' in 2024 to create a larger impact, with the team now planting one tree for every run scored during the IPL season. The 2024 initiative resulted in 2,667 new trees across the region, matching the team's total run tally for the season.

"Cricket has always brought people together across India, and with 'Runs to Roots,' we're using that shared passion to give back to the planet. Every run scored by our players this season will directly contribute to planting trees - real action for a greener future," said Juhi Chawla, KKR Co-owner and environmental advocate, as quoted from a release by KKR.

"Each sapling is a step towards cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable tomorrow. I'm proud that KKR is taking responsibility beyond the game, showing leadership where it matters most," he added.

"At KKR, excellence extends beyond cricket," remarked Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders.

"The 'Runs to Roots' initiative represents our philosophy of using our platform responsibly. By converting our sporting achievements into tangible environmental impact, we're creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come. We hope to surpass last year's numbers both in runs scored and trees planted," he said.

This initiative highlights KKR's focus on preserving urban green spaces in Kolkata and beyond. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, fans can track the growing environmental impact of each KKR match, transforming every cricket statistic into a measure of positive ecological change.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the KKR 'Runs to Roots' initiative:
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Rahul K.
What a brilliant initiative by KKR! 🌱 Cricket is our passion and combining it with environmental responsibility is genius. Hope other IPL teams follow suit. Juhi Chawla has always been passionate about nature - glad to see her leading this!
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the effort, I hope they're planting native species that actually benefit Kolkata's ecosystem. Too often these campaigns focus on quantity over quality. Would love to see details about what trees they're planting.
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Amit S.
As a KKR fan from Delhi, I'm so proud of my team! 💜 Not just champions on field but off field too. 2,667 trees last year is no small feat. Hope they maintain them properly - plantation is just the first step.
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Sanjana P.
More IPL teams should take up such initiatives. Cricket has such massive influence in India - imagine if every six hit in IPL meant one tree planted! KKR setting the right example. #GreenCricket
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Vikram D.
Good initiative but I hope they're transparent about the survival rate of these plants. Many corporate plantation drives fail because there's no follow-up. Would like to see reports on how many trees from last year are thriving.
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Neha R.
This makes me want to support KKR even more! Cricket with a purpose is what we need. Maybe they could involve fans too - like planting trees in different cities where KKR fans live. Would be happy to volunteer in Bangalore!

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