The Union Health Ministry has called on the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, within stadium limits and on television during matches. Referring to a moral responsibility towards protecting public health, the ministry emphasized strict enforcement as the IPL season begins March 22.
The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) in a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal urged the league to ban the sale of tobacco and alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports places. The ministry also focused on discouraging sportspersons and commentators from promoting products associated with alcohol and tobacco directly or indirectly.
The letter, addressed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), underscored India’s increasing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension. They cause more than 70% of deaths each year.
India’s Increasing Health Issues Attributed to Tobacco and Alcohol
“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,” the letter read.
With the IPL enjoying such a large viewership base, any advertising of tobacco and alcohol sends out a contradictory message regarding health and fitness. The ministry called on IPL organizers to enforce advertising prohibitions strictly and ensure compliance both during live games and related functions.
Call for Responsible Advertising in IPL
The letter underlined the requirement of a clean sporting atmosphere, especially because the players of cricket are role models before millions of youngsters. It read: “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….”
With the government proactively tackling health issues related to tobacco and alcohol, officials expect IPL’s adherence to serve as a benchmark for other sporting events in India. The initiative aligns with worldwide efforts to diminish the marketing power of dangerous products in top sports leagues.
When the IPL 2025 season arrives, the league and BCCI response will depend on it. Should the league implement the above-mentioned measures, it may represent a long overdue step towards establishing a better and more ethical sporting culture for India.
