Ahead of the most-awaited cricket event, IPL 2025, the Union Health Ministry has directed IPL to ban advertisements of all types of tobacco and alcohol products. In a letter to chairman Arun Dhumal, Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel advised cricketers not to directly or indirectly represent any type of tobacco or alcohol advertising. Goel further emphasized the significant health risks associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption, pointing out that India bears a disproportionate burden of noncommunicable diseases.
The Director General mentioned in the letter, “IPL should strictly implement the regulations banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium promises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television. “The sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.
India is facing a significant number of non-communicable diseases- Union Ministry stated
Union ministry, in its letter, strictly advised cricketers, along with commentators, not to endorse any harmful products, stating the rise of non-communicable diseases. The letter said, "Noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension have attacked more than 70% of the Indian population. Tobacco and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for many disorders. Given the IPL's significance as India's most-watched sporting event, the Ministry emphasized that any direct or indirect marketing of tobacco and alcohol conveys the opposite message about health and fitness.
He urged the IPL to aggressively enforce rules that prohibit all types of alcohol and tobacco marketing and advertising. The DGHS also advocated for the prohibition of tobacco and alcohol sales at all sporting venues and connected events.
The opening match of the IPL 2025 will take place in Kolkata, while the final will also be played in Kolkata as Kolkata Knight Riders are the defending champions.
