NEW DELHI: The Union Health Ministry has requested the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises during matches and telecast sessions on national television.
The government’s request comes ahead of the IPL season, which is set to commence on March 22.
In a letter addressed to the IPL chairman, Arun Singh Dhumal, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has urged the league to ban the sale of tobacco and alcohol products at all affiliated events and sports facilities.
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The letter highlights India’s significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which account for more than 70% of annual deaths.
“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,” it said.
“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…”
The Health Ministry’s request aims to align the IPL with the regulations regarding the prohibition of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within stadium premises and during telecast sessions on national television.
“The 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 letter added.