To: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

As passionate cricket enthusiasts and advocates for animal rights, human rights, and environmental conservation, we sincerely request the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a compassionate and responsible stance towards the cricket balls we use. It's time to address the multiple ethical and environmental issues associated with leather cricket balls produced by companies like Kookaburra, SG, and Dukes.

Why This Matters:

Animal Exploitation: Traditional leather cricket balls are made from the hides of animals, primarily cows. This practice raises serious ethical concerns regarding the exploitation and killing of these innocent creatures for our sporting pleasure.

Human Rights Abuses: The leather industry, including tanneries, often employs low-wage workers in substandard conditions. These laborers endure dangerous working conditions and exposure to toxic chemicals, highlighting the human rights abuses within the leather ball production process.

Environmental Impact: The production of leather cricket balls contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and the release of harmful chemicals. It adds to the growing environmental crisis our world faces.

Our Request:

We, the cricketing community and ethical advocates, request that the BCCI take a leadership role in promoting compassion for animals, workers, and the environment. Specifically, we ask for the following:

Transition to Sustainable Alternatives: Invest in research and development to create sustainable cricket ball alternatives that do not rely on animal hides or any animal products. These alternatives should be cruelty-free, environmentally responsible, and uphold the game's quality.

Worker Welfare: Encourage companies within the cricket ball production supply chain to improve working conditions for laborers. Ensure fair wages, safe environments, and ethical practices.

Raise Awareness: Use your influential platform to raise awareness about the ethical and environmental benefits of adopting non-leather cricket balls. Inspire other cricket boards and organizations to follow a compassionate path.

Environmental Responsibility: Implement a phased approach to introduce eco-friendly cricket balls into domestic and international matches. This will allow players to adapt to the change gradually while reducing the sport's environmental impact.

By signing this petition, we stand united in support of a cricketing world that respects animals, values human rights, and takes steps to protect our environment. Let's lead by example and champion a sport that reflects our commitment to a better, more compassionate world.

We eagerly await your response and actions to address the exploitation of animals, workers, and the environment associated with leather cricket balls.

Sincerely,

Karan Pratap Singh Rathore

New Delhi

karanrathore5@yahoo.in