No surrogate tobacco, alcohol ads by sportspersons: Health Ministry urges BCCI, SAI

The Union Health Ministry has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to introduce measures to prevent surrogate advertisements of tobacco and alcohol products by sportspersons.

In a letter dated August 1, 2024 to Roger Binny, President, BCCI, and Sandip Pradhan, Director General, SAI, the Ministry said that sportspersons, especially cricketers, are role models for youngsters for promoting a healthy, active and productive lifestyle. The Ministry lamented the appearance of some well-known cricketers as well as popular actors in surrogate ads of tobacco and alcohol-related products, especially during high ticket events such as the Indian Premier League.

The letter added, “Taking a considerate view of the issue, the BCCI may take positive measures to prevent these surrogate advertisement of tobacco and/ or alcohol related products by sportspersons.”

Some of these measures suggested by the Health Ministry included signing an anti-tobacco ‘Declaration of Interest’ form, not advertising in stadiums or events hosted or partnered by BCCI, issuing directive to sportspersons under BCCI’s ambit to not appear in surrogate ads of tobacco and alcohol products.

The Ministry maintained, “Such measures shall not only help in reducing the consumption of tobacco, especially amongst youth, but also reinforce a positive image of sportspersons as advocates of health and fitness and continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in sports.”