• Two-year partnership to develop innovative, environmentally focussed initiatives, both locally and regionally, highlighting the threat of plastic pollution across the planet.
  • Vipers to sign The Plastic Pledge as part of its drive to eradicate single-use plastic in its team environment, inviting its fans to do likewise.
  • Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver: “Through our partnership with The Plastic Pledge, we aim to inspire a collective effort to tackle plastic pollution, safeguard our environment, and ensure the long-term future of cricket in a changing climate.”
  • The Plastic Pledge founder Toby Gregory: “Through this partnership with The Desert Vipers, we embark on a journey to inspire, educate, and drive positive change, proving that every wicket saved from plastic pollution contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet.”

UAE-based cricket team the Desert Vipers has today agreed on a partnership with The Plastic Pledge, founded by adventurer and environmental campaigner Toby Gregory, to highlight the threat of plastic pollution across the planet.

The two-year agreement will see The Plastic Pledge become a Sustainability Impact Partner of the Desert Vipers, and the Vipers will sign up to the pledge as part of its drive to eradicate single-use plastic in its team environment, inviting its fans to do likewise.

The Desert Vipers and The Plastic Pledge will come together to develop innovative, environmentally focussed initiatives, both locally and regionally, with the idea of empowering schools, engaging with communities, and leaving a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility.

The agreement follows on from the announcement of the Vipers’ partnership with Bat For A Chance (BFAC), a UK-based initiative that will see the franchise collect its used and unused clothing and equipment from the tournament which BFAC will then distribute to schools, clubs and academies around the world to help them experience the joy of cricket.

Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver said: "As custodians of a sport deeply impacted by climate change, we at the Desert Vipers recognise the critical link between plastic pollution and the sustainability of cricket.

“Our sport is not immune to the global plastic crisis, and as we strive for sustainability, addressing this issue becomes paramount.

“Through our partnership with The Plastic Pledge, we aim to inspire a collective effort to tackle plastic pollution, safeguard our environment, and ensure the long-term future of cricket in a changing climate.

“As with our agreement with Bat For A Chance, this partnership with The Plastic Pledge fits in perfectly with our Sustainability Strategy Framework. And our mantra of reuse, reduce and recycle.

“We have already become Dubai’s first signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework with the aim to reduce our emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040.

“This is not just about the game of cricket; it is about preserving the very landscapes where cricket is played and enjoyed."

Toby Gregory and two colleagues rowed across the Atlantic Ocean between December 2022 and January 2023 to highlight the issue of clean seas and they saw first-hand the damage plastic pollution is doing to the planet.

When he returned from that experience, Toby founded The Plastic Pledge with the aim of doing something tangible to help focus attention on the need to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment, wildlife, and human health.

Toby Gregory, Founder of The Plastic Pledge, said: "The Plastic Pledge is delighted to join forces with Desert Vipers in a shared commitment to a sustainable future for cricket and also across the board for professional sports.

“The intersection of plastic pollution, climate change, and sports is a call to action. The Desert Vipers' dedication to incorporating sustainability and The Plastic Pledge into the core of their identity sets a powerful example for the sporting world.

“By committing to reduce our plastic use, we can significantly decrease the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans and landfills, harming marine life and polluting our natural resources.

“Through this partnership with The Desert Vipers, we embark on a journey to inspire, educate, and drive positive change, proving that every wicket saved from plastic pollution contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet."

The Desert Vipers are already undertaking a school outreach programme across Dubai with the twin aims of introducing children to cricket and highlighting the need to protect the environment.

Details of further initiatives will be announced in due course.

The DP World ILT20 gets underway on Friday 19 January and the Desert Vipers’ first match is against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 21 January.

Tickets for all Desert Vipers matches are now on sale and can be purchased via the official DP World ILT20 website or at any Virgin Megastore across the UAE.