New Delhi: In what will surely be a blow to the organisers, the Union Health Ministry has called for a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol advertisements during the upcoming IPL 2025.
Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, wrote to Indian Premier League (IPL) chairperson Arun Dhumal pointing out the ill-effects of tobacco and alcohol, and hence all forms of promotion, including surrogate advertisements, should be barred within stadium premises and during telecast of the tournament.
The 18th season of IPL will get underway on March 22, when defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens.
The Health Ministry said that the popular T20 league, is linked to health and fitness and, therefor, contradicts itself if it directly or indirectly promotes tobacco and alcohol on any platform.
The organisers, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been directed to ban all forms of advertising in stadiums, national television, products at events, and endorsement of products by sportspersons.
“India is experiencing a significant burden of non Communicable diseases – cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. which account for more than 70% deaths annually. Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians,” Goel wrote in his letter.
Stating that cricketers have a “moral obligation” to promote public health, Goel added, “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.”
The ban will eat into the revenue generated in the country’s most popular sports league, which is reportedly worth $12 billion in brand value.
A major component is revenue from advertisements, of which tobacco and alcohol represent a decent component.
According to a recent report, IPL 2025 was poised to shatter records with advertisement revenue expected to cross Rs 6,000 crore.
But now, the huge ad revenue, fuelled through television, digital media, team sponsorships and in-stadia events, will have to leave out tobacco and alcohol promotion completely.
