The Union Health Ministry has urged the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises during matches as well as telecast sessions on national televisions ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
It is understood the ministry has written to IPL Chair person ahead of the upcoming season on the issue due to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
The Ministry has said that the event, which is linked to health and fitness, contradicts itself if it directly or indirectly promotes tobacco and alcohol on any platform.
The IPL has been strictly urged to ban all forms of advertising, including surrogate advertisements in stadiums, national televisions, products at events, and endorsing products by sportspersons.
“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.
“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 said further.
“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.
Most of the disease have been linked to lifestyle choices, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Thess lifestyle habits can have devastating results in the long-run.
According to some stats, the Asian Pacific Jorunal of Cancer Prevetion, written by ICMR researchers, non-communicable disease contribute to around 38 million (68%) of all the deaths globally and to about 5.87 million(60%) of all deaths in India.
The consumption of alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis. The regular alcohol could lead to digestive issues affecting blood pressure, overburdening the liver and pancreas and causing vomiting.
Smoking has also involed to various diseases of the lungs, the hearts, the brain and even some cancers. The passive smokers are at high rist of developing lung cancers.
The IPL 2025 season is set to commence on March 22 with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will play against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
