The Well being Ministry has instructed the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all types of tobacco and alcohol promotions, together with surrogate ads, through the event starting March 22.
In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, Director Normal of Well being Companies, Atul Goel, mentioned cricket gamers who’re function fashions to the youth of India shouldn’t be straight or not directly linked to any type of tobacco or alcohol promoting.
“IPL ought to strictly implement the laws banning all types of tobacco/alcohol promoting, together with surrogate ads, inside the stadium premises the place the video games and associated occasions are held in addition to throughout telecast classes on nationwide tv,” Goel wrote.
“Discourage promotion of sportspersons (together with commentators) who straight or not directly endorse merchandise straight or not directly linked to alcohol or tobacco,” the letter acknowledged.
A majority of the Indian inhabitants is glued to tv units when the IPL is on, making the event a goal for the advertisers.
“India is experiencing a major burden of non-communicable illness (NCD), cardiovascular ailments, most cancers, power lung illness, diabetes, hypertension and so on. which accounts for greater than 70% deaths yearly.
“Tobacco and alcohol use are key danger elements for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with almost 14 lakh annual deaths whereas alcohol is the commonest psychoactive substance utilized by Indians,” Goel mentioned additional.
Goel added that cricketers have an ethical obligation to advertise public well being. “Cricket gamers are function fashions for selling a wholesome, lively life-style, IPL being the most important sports activities platform within the nation, has a social and ethical obligation to advertise public well being and help well being initiatives of the federal government,” added Goel.