THE HEALTH MINISTRY has instructed the Indian Premier League to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate advertisements, during the tournament beginning March 22.
In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel said cricket players, who are role models to the youth of India, should not be directly or indirectly connected to any form of tobacco or alcohol advertising.
"IPL should strictly implement the regulations 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 the telecast on national television," Goel wrote.
The organisers should discourage sportspersons and commentators from directly or indirectly endorsing products directly or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco, the letter said.
As the tournament commands a huge viewership, advertisers are keen to bag prominent slots in the stadiums and during live telecasts.
The health official pointed out that India is experiencing a surge in non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes and hypertension, which annually account for more than 70 per cent of deaths.
"We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 1.4 million annual deaths, while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," Goel added.
He added that cricketers have a moral obligation to promote public health.
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