The Union Health Ministry has called on the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises and during telecast sessions on national television. The appeal comes ahead of the IPL season starting on March 22.
In a letter addressed to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal on Monday, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also urged a ban on the sale of tobacco and alcohol products at all affiliated events and sports facilities. The letter emphasised discouraging the promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to tobacco or alcohol.
The correspondence, also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), highlighted India’s burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which account for over 70 per cent of annual deaths.
“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,” the letter stated.
Highlighting the IPL’s status as India’s most viewed sports event, the ministry expressed concern that direct or indirect promotion of tobacco and alcohol through sports platforms could send conflicting messages about health and fitness.
“Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding 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; the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities,” the letter stated.
It further observed that cricket players serve as role models for young people in promoting a healthy and 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,” it said.
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