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India's Health Ministry has written to the Indian Premier League (IPL), urging a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol advertisements, including surrogate promotions, during the upcoming 18th season starting March 22. The move aims to curb the influence of these substances and promote public health.
Prof. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, urged the regulation of tobacco and alcohol advertisements in a letter to Arun Singh Dhumal, Chairperson, IPL.
“India is experiencing a significant burden of non-communicable diseases – Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Chronic Lung Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension, which account for more than 70% deaths annually. Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths, while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians,” the letter reads.
It further continued, “This year, the IPL season starts on 22 March 2025. The IPL being India’s most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness.”
Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding:
1. Banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL, games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television.
2. The ban of sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.
3. Discourage promotion of sportspersons (including commentators) who directly or indirectly endorse products or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco.
“Cricket players are role models for the youngsters for promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, IPL being the largest sports platform in the country, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiative of the government,” the letter concluded.
