<p>New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has urged the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises during matches as well as telecast sessions on national television, saying it has a moral obligation to promote public health.</p><p>The government's request came ahead of the IPL season starting March 22.</p><p>In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also urged him to prohibit the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.</p><p>The letter also stressed discouraging promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco.</p>.India sing we’re the champions.<p>The letter, which was also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, stated that India is experiencing a significant burden of non communicable diseases- cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. which account for more than 70 per cent deaths annually.</p><p>"Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," it said.</p><p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) being India's most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness, the letter underlined.</p><p>"Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding --banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television;the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities..."</p><p>The letter observed that cricket players are role models for the youngsters for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.</p><p>"The IPL, being the largest sports platform in the country, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government," it said.</p>
<p>New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has urged the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises during matches as well as telecast sessions on national television, saying it has a moral obligation to promote public health.</p><p>The government's request came ahead of the IPL season starting March 22.</p><p>In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also urged him to prohibit the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.</p><p>The letter also stressed discouraging promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco.</p>.India sing we’re the champions.<p>The letter, which was also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, stated that India is experiencing a significant burden of non communicable diseases- cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. which account for more than 70 per cent deaths annually.</p><p>"Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," it said.</p><p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) being India's most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness, the letter underlined.</p><p>"Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding --banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television;the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities..."</p><p>The letter observed that cricket players are role models for the youngsters for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.</p><p>"The IPL, being the largest sports platform in the country, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government," it said.</p>