The Union Health Ministry has requested the BCCI and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to implement measures to prevent surrogate advertisements of tobacco and alcohol by athletes, highlighting their role as global role models for the youth. In a letter addressed to BCCI President Roger Binny and SAI DG Sandip Pradhan, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Atul Goel highlighted the influential position of sportspersons, particularly cricketers, in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Dr. Goel pointed out that the BCCI is responsible for setting policies and guidelines to promote cricket while keeping the interests of players and fans in mind. He expressed concern over the presence of surrogate ads for tobacco and alcohol products by well-known cricketers and actors during events like the IPL. He urged the BCCI to take proactive measures to curb such advertisements.
Among the suggestions, the DGHS proposed that sportspersons should sign an anti-tobacco 'Declaration of Interest' form and avoid promoting or advertising in BCCI-hosted events. He also recommended issuing directives to sportspersons under BCCI’s jurisdiction to refrain from engaging in surrogate promotions or advertisements of tobacco-related products. Additionally, he requested that other celebrities be barred from participating in such ads during BCCI events.
Dr. Goel stressed that these measures would help reduce tobacco consumption among youth and reinforce the positive image of sportspersons as health and fitness advocates. He noted that tobacco use is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and diabetes. India ranks second globally in tobacco-related deaths, with around 1.35 million preventable deaths annually. Tobacco-related cancers constitute a significant portion of cancer cases in India, with a high prevalence among both males and females.
He also pointed out that surveys have found the initiation age for tobacco consumption in India to be as low as seven years. To combat this issue, the government launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2007-08, aiming to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, reduce its production and supply, and ensure effective enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA), 2019. The program also supports tobacco cessation and implements strategies endorsed by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.