Health Ministry urges BCCI to halt Tobacco ads during Cricket matches
In this regard, the Union Health Secretary is scheduled to meet with BCCI officials to discuss the issue of surrogate ads by gutka manufacturers.
The Union Health Ministry urges BCCI to stop displaying advertisements for smokeless tobacco products during cricket matches. This directive particularly targets surrogate ads by gutka manufacturers, often endorsed by Bollywood celebrities and former cricketers, and shown on hoardings inside stadiums.
According to sources, the Health Ministry has sent a formal communication to the BCCI, urging them to cease the open promotion of tobacco products on billboards in stadiums under their control. “The Health Ministry will officially address this issue with the BCCI,” stated a source familiar with the matter.
Union Health Ministry’s Call to End Advertisements
In this regard, the Union Health Secretary is scheduled to meet with BCCI officials to discuss the issue of surrogate ads by gutka manufacturers. These ads often feature prominent public figures promoting ‘elaichi’ mouth fresheners, which smokeless tobacco product makers produce.
The government’s action follows findings from a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Vital Strategies, a global health organization. Published in the British Medical Journal in May, the study revealed that 41.3% of all surrogate ads for smokeless tobacco brands in 2023 were displayed during the last 17 matches of the cricket World Cup.
As a result of these findings, the Union Health Ministry has asked the BCCI to put an end to these smokeless tobacco advertisements, especially those endorsed by Bollywood celebrities during cricket matches.
Recently, there has been an increase in the display of smokeless tobacco products, including Gutka—a mixture of pan masala and chewing tobacco—at various cricket grounds hosting popular tournaments. These advertisements have prominently appeared during IPL matches.
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-17, conducted by the World Health Organization and the Union Health Ministry, reported that tobacco consumption in various forms is responsible for nearly 1.35 million deaths annually in India.
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