Government Pushes IPL 2025 to Ban Tobacco and Alcohol Ads

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has been advised by the Union Health Ministry to outlaw all types of alcohol and tobacco advertising, including that of surrogate brands, on national television broadcasts and within stadium grounds during games. This request is made in advance of the March 22 start of the IPL season.

The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also advised IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal to forbid the sale of alcohol and tobacco products at all associated events and sporting venues in a letter to him. The letter also emphasized the need to discourage the promotion of athletes, including commentators, who either directly or indirectly support tobacco or alcohol-related items.

IPL 2025 to Promote Healthy Living:

Goel went on to emphasize the significant role that cricket players play as role models, saying that they have a "social and moral obligation" to assist government health efforts and advance public health. He urged the IPL to carefully enforce the laws and regulations that prohibit the advertising and promotion of alcohol and tobacco in any form. Additionally, the DGHS demanded that all sports facilities and related events ban the sale of alcohol and tobacco products.

It said, "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. 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..."

In order to get around advertising restrictions, businesses frequently use surrogate advertising, which involves promoting substitute goods like club soda or mineral water. By outlawing such indirect advertisements, the Health Ministry's decree seeks to guarantee that the IPL is in line with public health goals. The ministry's request is part of a larger initiative to lessen the health hazards that alcohol and tobacco use provide.

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