Decathlon Partners with UK’s UCA to Pioneer World-First Circular Cricket Gear

In a move set to redefine the future of cricket, Decathlon’s India-based cricket division is partnering with the internationally acclaimed Centre for Sustainable Design (CfSD) at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), UK. The collaboration, named the Circular Cricket Gear Partnership (CCGP), will design and develop the world’s first mass-produced cricket equipment based on circular economy principles.

In a nation where cricket is more than a sport, this initiative directly addresses the environmental impact of sports manufacturing and aims to expand access to high-quality gear for the Indian customer base. The partnership will initially focus on two high-turnover items: cricket gloves and leg guards. The goal is to develop market-ready prototypes by early 2026, creating a new benchmark for sustainability in the sports industry.

The CCGP will leverage CfSD’s pioneering research in circular design and Decathlon’s industrial expertise and deep understanding of the Indian sports market. The project’s core objective is to integrate circularity into the very DNA of product design—creating equipment that is durable, easily repairable, and designed for disassembly, reuse, and recycling. This approach not only minimizes waste but also opens avenues for innovative business models like ‘Buy back’ schemes and refurbishment programs, potentially lowering the cost barrier for aspiring cricketers across India.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sport Director for Cricket at Decathlon, Rob Davies says, “Over the past few decades, the game of cricket has evolved exponentially, reflecting and catering to the social and economic environments in which it is played around the world. Through this partnership, we hope to bring this evolution to the manufacturing and distribution of equipment, making the sport more sustainable and allowing generations to come to continue to be moved by the wonders of cricket.”

 For years, Decathlon has embedded sustainability into its product philosophy, focusing on durability and repairability. This partnership marks a significant acceleration of that commitment within one of its most important global markets.

Annie George, Leader Sustainable Development, Decathlon India commented,“To bring in circular design to a sport that is so deeply rooted in India’s culture is exciting and meaningful. Transitioning from a linear to a circular model—where waste is minimized and resources are kept in use for as long as possible—is a journey we are committed to. Our partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Design (CfSD) is a reflection of this commitment and marks a strategic step towards building circular systems that are responsible, regenerative, and future-ready.”

Professor Martin Charter, Director of The Centre for Sustainable Design (CfSD) at UCA, highlighted the project’s global significance. “This collaboration with Decathlon marks a pivotal step toward embedding circularity into sports equipment. India is the heartland of cricket, and innovating here means creating a scalable model for the rest of the world. It’s not just about better gear—it’s about creating gear with a better environmental footprint and creating a real impact in cricket.”

 Beyond the initial prototypes, the Circular Cricket Gear Partnership aims to serve as an open-source model for applying circular design principles to other sports products, driving a systemic shift in the industry.