BCCI calls Apex Council meeting to discuss ban on tobacco, alcohol ads in IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has scheduled an Apex Council meeting on March 22, the same day as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

One of the key agenda points for the meeting is a discussion on sponsorship deals with tobacco and cryptocurrency brands, as well as compliance with the Health Ministry’s call to ban alcohol and tobacco advertising in cricket.

The issue gained traction after Director General of Health Services Atul Goel, in a letter dated March 5, urged IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal to bar all forms of tobacco and alcohol promotion during matches, related events, and on national television broadcasts. The letter, also addressed to the BCCI, sought a commitment from sports authorities to discourage cricketers from endorsing alcohol and tobacco-related products, directly or indirectly.

According to Goel, India faces a significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for over 70% of deaths annually. "Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh deaths annually, while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," Goel noted in his letter.

The Health Ministry has also emphasized the need to eliminate the sale of these products at all cricket-affiliated events. The letter reportedly highlighted the social and moral responsibility of IPL, being the country’s biggest sporting platform, in promoting public health initiatives. "Since cricketers are role models for millions of youngsters, it is imperative that the sport supports efforts to curb tobacco and alcohol consumption," Goel stated.

While the BCCI does not have direct control over advertising rights during matches, sponsorship deals are typically managed by state cricket associations that organize the events. However, if the BCCI aligns with the government’s directive, it could urge associations to reconsider their partnerships with brands linked to tobacco and alcohol.

Apart from the sponsorship debate, the BCCI will also deliberate on the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The agenda includes discussions on the formation of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the selection of host venues for the tournament. This will be the first Women’s ODI World Cup hosted in India since 2013.