The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to begin on March 22. With less than two weeks to go in the tournament opener, the Health Ministry has instructed the cash-rich league to ban all forms of tobacco and alchochol promotions, whether they are direct or surrogate advertisements.
The Director General of Health Services Atul Goel wrote a latter to the IPL chairman Arun Dhumal.
"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," 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.
Crores of cricket fans of all ages tune into the IPL which goes on for over two months. The letter mentons the percentage of deaths India accounts in the world due to tobacco and alcohol use.
"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," Goel further said.
Goel's message to cricketers
Goel wants cricketers who are role models for younsters to promote a healthy lifestyle and come out in support of government's health initiatives.
"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," he added.
The IPL 2025 opener will be played between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.