Ban Tobacco, Alcohol Ads: DGHS Writes To IPL Chairperson (image:x.com/IPL)
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry demanded the Indian Premier League (IPL) chairperson Arun Singh Dhumal and the BCCI to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, in the upcoming 2025 season of the IPL beginning on March 22, 2025.
In the letter, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Atul Goel said that India is experiencing a significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and pointed out that tobacco and alcohol are major factors behind it. India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians, it adds.
Also Read | PCB Fumes Over ICC’s Failure To Invite Officials To Champions Trophy Ceremony
According to DGHS, IPL should strictly implement the following regulations:
- 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.
- The sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.
- Discourage promotion of sportspersons (including commentators) who directly or indirectly endorse products directly or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco.
Before concluding the letter, Goel also held that cricket players have moral obligation to promote public health.
Also Read | Vanuatu PM Orders Cancellation Of Lalit Modi’s passport
“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 initiatives of the government,” he wrote.
