The Desert Vipers have expanded their commitment to sustainability by partnering with Cleaner Seas Group ahead of DP World ILT20 Season 4, launching an initiative to combat microplastic pollution and raise environmental awareness across cricket.
Vipers install microfibre filter at team hotel laundry
As part of the partnership, the Desert Vipers will install Cleaner Seas Group’s INDIKON microfibre filter at their team hotel. The device captures microfibres released during washing, preventing them from entering the ocean.
Each time a washing machine runs, it can release up to 700,000 microfibres — with an estimated 91 million fibres emitted per machine annually. These microplastics are among the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with laundry wastewater cited as the top source of primary microplastics.
Matt Bailey, Head of Strategy for the Desert Vipers, explained the significance:
“By partnering with Cleaner Seas Group, we aim to share how every sports team, hotel, and individual in the world could make a simple change to reduce the environmental impact from washing clothes and sportswear.”
Vipers to wear green kit for entire ILT20 season
In a second key step, the Desert Vipers have announced that the team will play the entire ILT20 season in green kit to underline sustainability as a core brand value and draw attention to environmental issues facing sport.
While the Vipers already wear kit made from 100% recycled polyester, studies show that recycled fabrics may shed more microfibres than virgin polyester. Installing microfibre filters addresses this issue at the source — the wash cycle.
Cleaner Seas Group praises cricket’s leadership
Dave Miller, CEO of Cleaner Seas Group, called the collaboration a “cricket industry first”:
“The team is helping to lessen microplastic impact by installing our groundbreaking filters, and also promoting a cricket industry first. Partners like the Desert Vipers can raise awareness and set new sea-saving standards from our laundry rooms.”
Support from Sports for Nature and IUCN
Jana Janotova, Engagement Officer, Sports for Nature at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), praised the Desert Vipers for taking measurable action:
“This latest initiative highlights how even small actions at the level of sport facilities can lead to bigger changes. Through smart partnerships and cooperation, any sports organisation can lead the way.”
Special kit reveal set for December
In addition to the green kit for the full season, the Desert Vipers will unveil a special edition sustainability kit for their annual Sustainability Match against the Dubai Capitals on December 14 at Dubai International Stadium.
The regular season begins on December 2, and fans can expect the team’s new look to be revealed shortly before the tournament kickoff.
Cricket’s role in tackling climate change
With cricket increasingly impacted by climate change — from extreme weather disrupting schedules to broader environmental concerns — the Desert Vipers are using their platform to raise awareness and push for change within the sport.
Bailey added:
“At the Desert Vipers we want to be proactive in playing for people and the planet, and the partnership with Cleaner Seas Group is the perfect example of this.”
This latest initiative adds to a growing body of work that positions the Vipers as one of the most environmentally conscious franchises in world cricket.
