The Union Health Ministry is mulling to ask the Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) to ban ‘paan-gutka’ ads during the cricket matches, as per a report in Live Mint.

Furthermore, it will also include a ban on hoardings with smokeless tobacco advertisements. The report also mentioned that these kinds of surrogate ads for tobacco will be banned as they create a negative impact on the youth.

As per a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Vital Strategies said that 41.3%  of all surrogate ads of smokeless tobacco (SLT) brands in 2023 were displayed during the last 17 matches of the Cricket World Cup.

“Cricket matches widely popular among young population. There have been multiple instances wherein surrogate smokeless tobacco ads are being displayed during cricket matches and celebrity endorsement happening. This tends to indirectly attract the youths. The health ministry’s DGHS may communicate to the BCCI urging them to stop showing tobacco-related ads in any form,” said an official aware of the matter requesting anonymity.

“India has taken a comprehensive approach to tackle the use of smokeless tobacco products, but more needs to be done,” the official added indicating at a ban on these kinds of advertisements.

During the IPL, multiple cricket grounds had displayed advertisements for smokeless tobacco products. It is reported that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the aegis of the health ministry, will inform the Indian Cricket Board against the advertisement of it.

“Cricket matches widely popular among young population. There have been multiple instances wherein surrogate smokeless tobacco ads are being displayed during cricket matches and celebrity endorsement happening. This tends to indirectly attract the youths. The health ministry’s DGHS may communicate to the BCCI urging them to stop showing tobacco related ads in any form,” said an official aware of the matter requesting anonymity.