Overview

• The Indian Health Ministry has issued a directive to the IPL and BCCI to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, during the 2025 season starting March 22.
• The directive also prohibits the sale of tobacco and alcohol products at stadiums and affiliated events, urging players and commentators to avoid endorsements linked to these industries.
• Health officials emphasized the role of cricketers as role models and IPL's responsibility as India's largest sports platform to promote healthy lifestyles and support government health initiatives.
• India faces a significant public health burden from non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and alcohol consumption being major contributors to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other conditions.
• The IPL 2025 season will feature 74 matches across 13 venues, with the opening ceremony and final scheduled in Kolkata, while playoffs will also take place in Hyderabad and Kolkata.