The Director General of Health Service Requests IPL to Curb Tobacco, Alcohol Promotions in 2025

DGHS Calls for Ban on Tobacco and Alcohol Promotions in IPL

The Directorate General of Health Services stated that since the Indian Premier League (IPL), India’s most watched sporting event, is scheduled to begin on March 22 this year, any form of direct or indirect advertising of tobacco or alcohol on sports-linked platforms sends a mixed signal about fitness and public health.

A request was made by the Directorate General of Health Services for the IPL to prohibit all types of tobacco and alcohol advertisements, applying to disguised promotions inside match venues and IPL-affiliated events, as well as during nationwide television coverage.

The promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who explicitly or implicitly endorse products associated with alcohol or tobacco has also been disapproved by DGHS. A recommendation has been made by the Directorate General of Health Services for the IPL to avoid the sale of alcohol and tobacco products in all affiliated events and sporting facilities.

IPL Urged to Uphold Social Responsibility in Promoting Public Health

“A healthy and active lifestyle is encouraged among the youth by cricket players, who serve as their role models. The Indian Premier League, as the nation’s most significant sports platform, is expected to uphold its social and moral responsibility in promoting public health backing the government’s health initiatives, as conveyed in the letter by the Directorate General of Health Services.”