The Health Ministry has directed the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate advertisements, during the upcoming tournament starting on March 22. Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, emphasized in a letter to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal that cricket players, who serve as role models to the youth of India, should not be associated with any form of tobacco or alcohol advertising.
The Ministry urged IPL to strictly enforce regulations banning all tobacco and alcohol advertising within the stadium premises and during telecast sessions on national television. The letter also called for discouraging the promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco.
Given that a significant portion of the Indian population watches the IPL, the tournament has become a prime target for advertisers. The Ministry highlighted the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, citing tobacco and alcohol use as major risk factors. Goel pointed out that India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths globally, with nearly 14 lakh deaths annually, while alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the country.
Goel emphasized the moral responsibility of cricketers in promoting public health, stating that they should be advocates for a healthy and active lifestyle. As the largest sports platform in India, the IPL has a social and moral obligation to support public health initiatives and promote the well-being of the population.
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