The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked the IPL Chairman and BCCI to ban tobacco and alcohol ads, including indirect ones, during the 2025 IPL season.
As per media reports, Health Services Director General Atul Goel wrote a letter to IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal and also requested a ban on these products at all related events and sports venues.
Goel highlighted India’s growing health issues due to such products and urged the IPL to follow the recommended rules. He also asked that players and commentators avoid promoting alcohol or tobacco.
Full statement
“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:
1 – 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.
2 – The sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.
3 – 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.”
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) writes to IPL Chairperson regarding the regulation of Tobacco and Alcohol advertisements including surrogate advertisementing and sales during the IPL season starting from 22nd March. pic.twitter.com/0kNvKHzWet
— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2025
The TATA IPL is all set to start from March 22, 2025. Viewers can watch all the tournaments on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
