The Union Health Ministry, in a massive step, is reportedly planning to urge the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not to display advertisements that promote tobacco inside stadiums. For quite a while, several stadiums across the country have had massive hoardings and stickers, and these surrogate advertisements promote products like processed 'Elaichi' (cardamom) and mouth fresheners, which are endorsed by popular figures that also include former cricketers. But this major development might put an end to these surrogate advertisements inside the stadiums. BCCI To Release Financial Aid of Rs 1 Crore for Anshuman Gaekwad in His Fight Against Cancer.

According to a report in Mint, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union Health Ministry is set to ask the BCCI to put an end to these surrogate advertisements that indirectly lead to the promotion of tobacco inside the stadiums. Cricket, needless to say, is followed by a massive chunk of the Indian population, and such a move can potentially lead to a decrease in tobacco consumption, especially among the youth. For the uninitiated, the 'Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act from 2003, commonly known as the 'COTPA' prevents the advertisement of tobacco products. However, concerned brands often make their way into the billboards through surrogate advertisements. Rahul Dravid Refuses INR 2.5 Cr 'Extra' Bonus From BCCI After T20 World Cup 2024 Triumph, Cites Equal Distribution of Rewards.

"Cricket matches are widely popular among the young population. There have been multiple instances wherein surrogate smokeless tobacco ads are being displayed during cricket matches and celebrity endorsement happening. This tends to indirectly attract the youths. The health ministry’s DGHS may communicate to the BCCI urging them to stop showing tobacco related ads in any form," an official privy to the development was quoted saying by the report. Earlier this year, a study was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and it showed that multiple matches of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, held across several venues across India, had as many as 41.3% surrogate advertisements.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2024 08:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).