Health Ministry urges IPL to ban tobacco, alcohol ads: Details
What's the story
The Union Health Ministry has urged the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising.
The directive was sent in a letter by Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services, to IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal.
The request comes ahead of the upcoming IPL season, starting March 22.
Goel stressed that cricket players shouldn't be associated with any form of tobacco/alcohol advertising.
Implementation
Health Ministry's directive for IPL
Goel's letter highlighted the importance of strict compliance with rules, banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads.
He said these rules should be followed inside stadiums where IPL games are played, and during live telecast on national television.
The sale of tobacco or alcohol products at all affiliated events and sports facilities was also discouraged by Goel in his communication with Dhumal.
Health concerns
Health risks associated with tobacco and alcohol
Goel emphasized that India is struggling with a heavy burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
These health problems constitute over 70% of annual deaths in the country. He noted that consumption of tobacco and alcohol present key risk factors for NCDs.
Notably, India ranks second in the world for tobacco-related deaths with nearly 14 lakh deaths annually, and alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance among Indians.
Public health
Cricketers' role in promoting public health
Goel further said cricketers have a moral responsibility to promote public health.
He noted cricketers are role models for youngsters, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
India's biggest sports platform, the IPL, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support government health initiatives.
This highlights how IPL can influence public perception toward health-related issues in India.