India’s Health Ministry sent an important letter to the IPL Chairperson, Arun Singh Dhumal, in Mumbai. The letter demands a strict ban on tobacco and alcohol ads during matches on TV and at stadium events, including any disguised promotions. This action is especially urgent to protect public health in the country’s most-watched sports event.
“Strict ad bans protect public health and youth across IPL.”
Sent on 5th March 2025, the letter calls for immediate changes before the IPL season starts on 22 March 2025. The ministry’s detailed guidelines explain how to stop these promotions during live broadcasts and at sporting venues with clear rules and strategies.
The government’s goal is to reduce diseases linked to tobacco and alcohol. Non-communicable diseases cause over 70% of deaths and create serious health burdens, so it’s important to protect youth and promote fitness.
This move is not new; similar actions have been seen both in India and worldwide. In July 2024, the MoHFW suggested banning tobacco ads at home matches, just like Australia did in 1992 and the UK in 2003. India’s decision to also include alcohol ads represents a broad public health strategy, even though some sponsors might not like it. This could set new standards globally.
The decision might change advertising norms, leading to healthier sports events and encouraging safer behavior across the country for future generations.
