New Delhi: Should condom advertisements be treated as adult content?
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and former national cricketer Kirti Azad has sparked a controversy after such an advertisement appeared during the telecast of the India vs England T20I match on Saturday.
Such advertisements should not be shown when millions of children are watching the game, Azad said, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take note of the issue.
“Children are watching live the international T20 match between India versus England being played at Old Trafford. Isn’t it a shame that an adult advertisement of Durex comes on the screen. BCCI to take note,” he posted on X.
The MP told reporters later that the issue was not about a particular brand but about the suitability of such advertisements during live cricket broadcasts watched by families.
“This is an adult advertisement. Children watch the match with their parents. They are children, under 16 years old. In this country, cricket is considered like a religion. When I was watching it, 44 crore people were watching it, and an adult advertisement appeared during the match,” he said, as reported by The Times of India.
Such advertisements put parents in an uncomfortable position, Azad said, while raising questions among their impact on children.
“Parents don’t know where to look, and children don’t understand it. They ask what it is. What effect will it have on their minds? This is a very big question, and the BCCI should answer it. How are they allowing all this,” he said.
Why are adult advertisements being aired during live cricket when advertisements related to alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited, the MP questioned.
“Alcohol and cigarette advertisements are all banned, and they should be. So why adult advertisements? And that too between overs. I raise a big question over its validity,” he said.
The BCCI should examine the issue and take appropriate action, Azad said.
“The BCCI has to look into it. If needed, then yes, I will raise it in Parliament. I will definitely raise it,” he added.
India is touring England for a five-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI one across various venues. England currently lead the T20I series 1-0 after their victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.
