IPL 2025: Health Ministry Writes To Indian Premier League Chairperson, Asks To Ban Alcohol Advertising

Ahead of the much-awaiting Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has written a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prohibit all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads. The Health Ministry aims to curb the promotion of alcohol and tobacco products.

In a letter addressed to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, also requested a ban on selling tobacco and alcohol at all related events and sports venues. The ministry emphasised that players and commentators should not endorse such products directly or indirectly.

Health Concerns and Role Models

The ministry highlighted that cricketers serve as role models for young people. Given IPL's status as India's largest sporting platform, it bears a social responsibility to promote public health. "Cricketers are role models for youth. IPL, as the largest sporting platform in the country, has a social and moral responsibility to promote public health and support government health initiatives," Goel stated in his letter dated March 5.

India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular issues, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These conditions account for over 70% of annual deaths in India. The ministry's letter cited these statistics to underline the need for stricter regulation of tobacco and alcohol promotions.

Regulation Aligned with Health Policies

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for NCDs. India ranks second globally in tobacco-related deaths, with nearly 1.4 million fatalities annually. Alcohol remains the most widely used psychoactive substance in India. Goel urged that IPL should align its advertisement regulations with existing health policies and laws to address these issues effectively.

The ministry's appeal reflects broader concerns about public health impacts linked to tobacco and alcohol consumption. By targeting high-profile platforms like IPL, authorities aim to reduce exposure to harmful product promotions among viewers, especially younger audiences.