Health Ministry Urges BCCI, SAI To Ban Surrogate Tobacco Ads

The Union Health Ministry approached the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enforce measures preventing athletes from engaging in surrogate advertising of tobacco and alcohol products.

In a letter addressed to Roger Binny, President of BCCI and Sandip Pradhan, Director General of SAI on Thursday, Dr Atul Goel, Director of Health Services requested both organisations to sign an anti-tobacco Declaration of Interest form. He also urged them to refrain from promoting surrogate advertising of tobacco or alcohol products at events organised by BCCI and SAI.

Dr Goel wrote to Binny stating, “BCCI is responsible for setting policies, guidelines, and a roadmap for the promotion and governance of cricket, keeping in mind the players and fans in India. Athletes, especially cricketers, are role models in society, particularly for young people, promoting a healthy, active, and productive lifestyle. It is disheartening to see some of the most well-known cricketers and famous actors involved in surrogate advertisements for tobacco and alcohol products during events like the IPL.”

He recommended that the Board issue directives to cricketers under its jurisdiction to abstain from surrogate promotion, partnership or advertisement of tobacco-related products.

"It is hereby requested not to allow such surrogate advertisements during other BCCI sporting events, such as the IPL", the letter further stated. A similar request has been made to Pradhan.

The government's stance aligns with the regulations outlined in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The letter comes amid increasing public health concerns related to tobacco use, with the Global Adult Tobacco Survey attributing nearly 1.35 million deaths annually to tobacco-related causes.