Govt tells BCCI, SAI to stop sportspersons from appearing in surrogate ads
The Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare suggested a series of measures like signing an anti-tobacco declaration and issuing directives against appearing in surrogate promotion
The Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) in a letter to prevent sportspersons from endorsing tobacco and alcohol or taking part in any surrogate advertisements because celebrities engaging in these ads are followed as role models by millions of youth not only within the country but across the world.
The letter stated that sportspersons like cricketers are role models for society, especially youngsters for promoting a healthy, active and productive lifestyle and that it was disheartening to see surrogate advertisements of tobacco and/or alcohol-related products by some of the most well-known cricketers and also famous actors during cricketing events such as IPL.
The BCCI is entrusted with the objectives of laying down policies, roadmap, and guidelines for the promotion of the game of cricket (and its governance) keeping in mind the players and cricket fans of India.
The letter further said, “Taking a considerate view of the issue, the BCCI may take positive measures to prevent these surrogate advertisements of tobacco and or alcohol-related products by sportspersons. A few suggested measures are - signing an anti-tobacco Declaration of Interest form (attached), not promote/advertise in stadiums or events hosted or partnered by BCCI, issuing directive(s) to sports persons under BCCI's ambit to refrain from surrogate promotion/partnership/
It was further requested by the ministry not to allow such surrogate advertisements by other celebrities in sporting events of the BCCI, such as the IPL.
Such measures, it said, will not only help in reducing the consumption of tobacco, especially amongst youth but also reinforce a positive image of sportspersons as advocates of health and fitness and continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in sports.
