In a major development, the Indian government has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to exclude tobacco and alcohol advertisements from the IPL 2025 season.
The decision was made in light of India's rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases. As a result, the government has requested that the IPL contribute to the worsening health of the country's population.
The IPL is India's most popular sporting championship, with a billion people watching. The promotions have a significant impact on its viewers' brains, and tobacco and alcohol products are clearly damaging to their health.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has written to IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. In the letter, the ministry requests that tobacco and alcohol advertising, as well as surrogate marketing, be removed from the IPL and BCCI competitions.
Mr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, wrote this letter in which he also requested that tobacco and alcohol products be banned from all related sports facilities and activities going forward.
The reason for the ban is also noted in the letter. Atul Goel remarked that India is currently suffering a large burden of noncommunicable diseases and so asked the IPL to execute all of the restrictions.
In the letter, Goel also requested the cricketers and the sportspersons not to promote tobacco and alcohol products as they are role models for the country's future generations.
“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% of 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,” the letter stated.
“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 the promotion of sportspersons (including commentators) who directly or indirectly endorse products directly or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco.
Cricket players serve as role models for young people, encouraging them to live a healthy and active lifestyle. As the country's largest sporting platform, the IPL has a social and moral commitment to promote public health and support the government's healthcare efforts,” the letter concluded.
India's Health Ministry urges @IPL to enforce a complete ban on tobacco & alcohol ads, including surrogate promotions, this season starting March 22.#IPL2025 #PublicHealth @DghsIndia pic.twitter.com/CXjUyrqWvZ
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 10, 2025
The IPL 2025 begins on March 22 with defending champions KKR taking on last year’s finalists SRH at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
(Times of India inputs)
