Government urges IPL to ban tobacco, alcohol advertisements

The Union Health Ministry has urged the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including of surrogate brands, within stadium premises during matches and on national television broadcasts. This appeal comes ahead of the IPL season which is set to start on March 22.

Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel, in a letter addressed to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, emphasized the significant health risks associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption, noting that India bears a consequential load of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular ailments, hypertension and diabetes.

He said that tobacco and alcohol use are high and key risk factors for these conditions, with India ranking globally second in tobacco-concerned deaths, accounting for nearly 1.4 million annually. Adding to that, alcohol is identified as the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians.

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Goel further highlighted the influential role of cricketers as role models, stating that they have a "social and moral obligation" to promote public health and support government health initiatives. He urged the IPL to strictly apply rules and regulations banning all forms of alcohol and tobacco promotions and advertising. The DGHS also called for the prohibition of tobacco and alcohol product sales at all sports facilities and affiliated events.

"Discourage promotion of sports, sportspersons including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco," he said as quoted by The Times of India.

Surrogate advertising, where companies promote alternative products like mineral water or club soda, has been a common practice to bypass advertising bans. The Health Ministry's directive aims to ensure that the IPL aligns with public health objectives by eliminating such indirect promotions. 

The ministry's appeal reflects a broader effort to reduce the health risks associated with tobacco and alcohol.