The Health Ministry has sent a letter to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, asking the league to stop all kinds of tobacco and alcohol promotions. This includes indirect ads shown inside stadiums and during the broadcast of matches.
The 18th season of the Indian Premier League will start on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens.
The Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, wrote to Dhumal, stating that since cricketers are seen as role models for the youth in India, they should avoid promoting products linked to alcohol or tobacco, either directly or indirectly.
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 linked to alcohol or tobacco.
The IPL gets a lot of attention in the country, so many advertisers want to be part of it.
Goel said, “India is experiencing a significant burden of Non Communicable disease Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Chronic Lung Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension etc. which accounts 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.”
He added that cricketers have a moral obligation to promote public health.
“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 added.
The IPL has grown into one of the most popular sports leagues in the country. According to a report, the league’s brand value has now reached $12 billion.
ALSO READ: Jadeja Beats Rohit to Win Best Fielder Medal in Champions Trophy 2025 Final
