The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has written to the IPL Chairman and the BCCI asking for tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, to be banned during the upcoming 2025 season of the IPL. In a letter written to IPL chairman, Arun Singh Dhumaal, the director general of health services, Mr. Atul Goel, also asked for a ban of tobacco and alcohol products aat all affiliated events and sports facilities.
In the letter, Mr. Goel stated that India is experiencing a significant burden of non-communicable diseases and asked the IPL to implement the regulations they have advised. The director general of health services also asked to ensure that sportspersons, including commentators don’t endorse alcohol or tobacco products.
India is experiencing a significant burden of Non Communicable diseases- Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Chronic Lung Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension etc. 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. This year the IPL Season starts on 22 March 2025. The Indian Premier League (IPL) being India’s most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports send contradictory message to the public about health and fitness.
Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding:
- 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.
