Delhi: The Ministry of Health, Government of India has directed to ban all advertisements related to tobacco and alcohol in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). This ban will be applicable during the tournament starting from 22 March.
Director General of Health Services Atul Goyal said in a letter to IPL President Arun Dhumal that cricketers are ideal for the youth, so they should not be linked to the promotion of tobacco or alcohol in any way.
Health Ministry wrote a letter
Goyal said, “The IPL should ensure that any advertisement or hidden propaganda (surrogate advertising) is not allowed during the stadium and broadcast. Players and commentators should be discouraged by promoting such products that are directly or indirectly connected to tobacco and alcohol. ”
IPL is one of the most viewed tournaments in India, making it a center of attraction for advertisers.
Expressing concern, the Health Ministry said, “India is facing heavy burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure etc., due to which more than 70% of deaths occur per year.”
Goyal further said, “Tobacco and alcohol consumption is the main risk factor for NCDs. We are second in tobacco related deaths worldwide; There are about 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychological substance used by Indians. ”
He further said, “IPL is the biggest sports platform in the country, so it should work towards promoting public health and supporting the government’s health initiatives.”
India’s Health Ministry has written to the IPL, Urging a Complete Ban on Tobacco and Alcohol Advertisements, Including Surrogate Promotions, during the upcoming season starting march 22. Influence of these substances and promote public health. #IPL2025, pic.twitter.com/ppv1n1jq68
– DD News (@ddnewslive) March 10, 2025
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