According to a report by "The Hindu" on August 2nd, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that athletes should not be allowed to endorse tobacco and related products.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has strongly recommended to BCCI President Roger Binny in a letter to ban tobacco advertising in all sports events hosted by BCCI, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). The letter emphasizes that tobacco advertising should be strictly prohibited to enhance the image of athletes as role models for the health and well-being of young people.
The Ministry of Health pointed out that athletes, especially cricket players, are role models for the youth, promoting a healthy, active, and productive lifestyle. However, some prominent cricket players and actors have been engaging in alternative advertising promoting tobacco, alcohol, and related products during events, especially during the IPL, which has disappointed the department.
Atul Goel, the Director of Health Services, expressed in a letter that BCCI can take proactive measures to prevent athletes from participating in these alternative advertisements. Proposed measures include signing an anti-tobacco declaration, refraining from promoting or endorsing tobacco-related products at sports venues or events hosted or co-hosted by BCCI, issuing directives to athletes under BCCI's umbrella to avoid substituting for promoting, endorsing, or advertising these products.
The letter further requests that no other celebrities are allowed to put such endorsements in BCCI's sporting events. The Ministry of Health hopes that BCCI can understand that these celebrities are not only role models in the country, but also worldwide for millions of young people.
The Ministry of Health stated that implementing these measures will not only help reduce tobacco consumption but also enhance the image of athletes as champions of health and fitness.
The Ministry of Health points out that tobacco is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and diabetes. India ranks second in the world in terms of tobacco-related deaths.
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