No alcohol and tobacco ads during IPL 2025: Union Health Ministry issues advisory

Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, emphasized to IPL chairman, the influence of cricket players on youth, urging strict adherence to advertising rules during games and broadcasts.

IPL trophy/ pic credit: @bcci/x

India's Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to the IPL chairman and BCCI, directing a complete ban on alcohol and tobacco promotions, which includes surrogate ads, during the IPL 2025 starting March 22.

The Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, in a letter to the IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, said that the youth of the country idolises cricket players; hence, there should be no advertisement related to the direct or indirect use of alcohol and tobacco during the upcoming IPL season.

IPL urged to strictly follow the rules

The Director General wrote, "IPL should strictly implement the regulations banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television."

The letter further stated, "Discourage promotion of sportspersons (including commentators) who directly or indirectly endorse products directly or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco."

The DG further added, "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. 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."

The season 18 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 22 with the opening clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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