The Central Health Ministry has taken a significant step ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), has sent a letter to IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, urging a complete ban on tobacco and alcohol advertisements during IPL 2025.

In its directive, the ministry has asked the Indian Premier League authorities to ensure that no advertisements promoting tobacco or alcohol appear inside stadiums during matches. This ban will also extend to television broadcasts, meaning no tobacco- or alcohol-related commercials should be aired during match coverage.

The government’s request comes ahead of the IPL season, set to begin on 22nd March. In his letter to the IPL chairman, DGHS Atul Goel has also called for a prohibition on the sale of tobacco and alcohol-related products at all IPL venues and events.

He further emphasised discouraging cricketers and commentators from endorsing any tobacco or alcohol-related products, directly or indirectly. A similar request was made in August last year when the DGHS urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prevent players from engaging in surrogate advertising for such products.

According to Goel, discouraging sports personalities from promoting these products can help curb tobacco and alcohol consumption among young people, leading to positive public health outcomes.

In an official statement, the DGHS reiterated, "IPL must strictly enforce a ban on all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads. This applies to in-stadium promotions, IPL-related events, and national television broadcasts. Additionally, the sale of such products should be completely prohibited at all IPL venues. Cricketers and commentators endorsing these products, even indirectly, should be discouraged.”

He further highlighted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and hypertension, account for over 70% of deaths in India. Tobacco and alcohol consumption are among the major risk factors contributing to these diseases. India ranks second globally in tobacco-related deaths, with nearly 1.4 million fatalities per year. Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, remains the most widely used psychoactive substance in the country.

"Cricketers are role models for young people, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. As India’s biggest sporting platform, IPL has a social and moral responsibility to support public health initiatives and government health programmes," Goel added.

The opening match and final of IPL 2025 are set to take place in Kolkata, as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will host the first and last games of the season. With this directive in place, no tobacco or alcohol advertisements will be seen at Eden Gardens, and the availability of such products inside the stadium may also be restricted.