In a big development, the government of India has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove the advertisements of tobacco and alcohol from the upcoming season of the IPL.
The decision has been taken by keeping in mind the increase in non-communicable diseases in India. As a result, the government has asked the IPL to contribute towards the deteriorating health of the country’s citizens
The IPL is easily the most followed sports tournament in India and has the power of a billion people. The promotions create a huge impact on its viewers’ minds and the tobacco and alcohol products are clearly harmful to health.
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Government of India asks BCCI to ban tobacco and alcohol advertisements
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has written to the IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. In the letter, the ministry has asked the IPL and the BCCI for the removal of tobacco and alcohol advertising, surrogate ads etc.
The Director General of Health Services, Mr. Atul Goel, wrote this letter and also asked for the ban of tobacco and alcohol products at all the affiliated sports facilities and events in the future.
The reason for this ban has also been stated in the letter. Atul Goel claimed that India is facing a huge burden of non-communicable diseases currently and thus, asked the IPL to implement all the regulations.
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.
Full statement of the Government of India
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.
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.
When will the IPL 2025 take place?
The Indian Premier League 2025 season will begin on March 22 with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match of the season at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The final of the tournament will be played on May 25 in Kolkata.
Over the years, the tournament has grown into India’s biggest sporting league and is one of the biggest leagues in the world as well. The tournament has a huge amount of revenue involved and has changed various lives over the years.
Tobacco and alcohol products have often been involved in this tournament and during the home bilateral series of India as the sponsors. Due to its huge fan following, the IPL has the power to have an impact on youngsters’ minds.
The tournament is followed closely in the TV as there is a record viewership involved every year. It remains to be seen how the BCCI handles this delicate situation in such a short period of time.
