Health Ministry directs IPL to ban tobacco and alcohol ads

New Delhi: The Health Ministry has directed the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate ads, during the upcoming season starting March 22.

The Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, has written to Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal, urging that cricket players, who serve as role models for India's youth, should not be directly or indirectly linked to any form of tobacco or alcohol advertising.

"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 IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television," Goel wrote.

"The sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.

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

The Indian Premier League (IPL) attracts a massive television audience, making it a highly sought-after platform for advertisers. However, Goel highlighted the need for responsible advertising during the tournament, citing India's alarming burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, which account for over 70% of annual deaths. Goel emphasised that tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs, with India ranking second globally in tobacco-related deaths and witnessing nearly 1.4 million annual deaths.

He stated that cricketers have a moral obligation to promote public health.

"Cricket players are role models for the youngsters for promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. The 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," He added

(inputs from PTI)