Health Ministry Wants Direct, Indirect Ads On Tobacco And Alcohol Banned During IPL

The Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, has written to the Indian Premier League Chairman, Arun Dhumal, demanding that the league ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate advertisements. The tournament is all set to begin on March 22.

According to Goel, cricket players, who are role models for the youth in India, should not be directly or indirectly associated with any form of tobacco or alcohol advertising.

He called for strict implementation of the regulations banning advertisements, even at stadium premises.

“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.

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

Pointing to the game’s craze in India, he said that the majority of the Indian population is glued to television sets when the IPL is on. As a result, the tournament results in huge promotions and advertisements on the television.

“India is experiencing a significant burden of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc., which accounts for more than 70% of deaths annually,” Goel added.

“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,” Goel said.

He added 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,” added Goel.

—With PTI inputs