The Health Ministry has reportedly urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) to introduce regulations that restrains sportspersons from promoting tobacco or alcohol related products through surrogate advertisements.
The Hindu reports that the ministry, in a communication issued on August 1, stated that sportspersons, especially cricketers, are role models for society in particular youngsters for promoting a healthy, active, and productive lifestyle and it is disheartening to see surrogate advertisements of tobacco and/or alcohol-related products by some of the most well-known cricketers and famous actors during cricketing events such as IPL. These personalities are role models for millions of youth across the country.
In the letter, Atul Goel, director general of Health Services (DGHS), writes: “Taking a considerate view of the issue, the BCCI may take positive measures to prevent these surrogate advertisements of tobacco and or alcohol-related products by sportspersons. Few suggested measures are – signing an anti-tobacco Declaration of Interest form, not promote/advertise in stadiums or events hosted or partnered by BCCI, issuing directives to sportspersons under BCCI’s ambit to refrain from surrogate promotion/partnership/advertisement of tobacco and related products.”
The letter further reads, “Also it is hereby requested not to allow such surrogate advertisements by other celebrities in sporting events of the BCCI, such as IPL. I hope you appreciate that celebrities engaging in these surrogate advertisements are followed as role models by millions of youth not only within the country but across the world.”
Per The Hindu, the ministry has listed out measures including signing an anti-tobacco declaration of interest form, not promoting/advertising in stadiums or events hosted or partnered by BCCI, issuing directive(s) to sportspersons under BCCI’s ambit to refrain from surrogate promotion/partnership/advertisement of tobacco and related products. Also, it is hereby requested not to allow such surrogate advertisements by other celebrities in sporting events of the BCCI, such as the IPL.
