Sportspersons in any sport in the country will no longer be allowed to advertise cigarettes and liquor. The central government has banned sportsmen from making such advertisements. The cricketers will also have to write an affidavit to the BCCI that they will not do such advertisements.
With this bold decision of the central government, now no sportsperson in the country will be seen advertising alcohol or smoking. Central Government Director General of Health Dr Atul Goyal has written to BCCI and SAI asking them to take an affidavit from the players immediately. In the letter, Dr Goyal wrote, “Sportsmen, especially cricketers, are role models for the youth of the country. This can inspire the youth to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, it is unfortunate that legendary sports stars are often seen advertising cigarettes, Vidi or Paan Masala.”
The Director General of Health has asked Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny to support the government in keeping the country’s population healthy. He appealed that such advertisements should not be spread during the IPL or any other cricket tournament. Also, immediate measures should be taken to remove the players from these advertisements. Dr Goyal suggested that the BCCI could take an affidavit from the player, in which he would promise to distance himself from these advertisements. A similar letter has also been written to Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General Sandeep Pradhan.
In fact, famous athletes and film stars of the country are often seen promoting tobacco products through various media. These include former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev to Virender Sehwag, Sunil Gavaskar and film actors Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Shah Rukh Khan. Often these celebrities have gone viral on social media due to these advertisements. It is a different matter that the government has now decided to bring these players under the ambit of the rules, long after the law was passed.
