 to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising.){kind=link}
The Indian Health Ministry has instructed the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, during the upcoming tournament starting March 22. In a letter to IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel said that cricketers, who serve as role models for Indian youth, should not be linked—directly or indirectly—to the promotion of these products.
“IPL must strictly enforce regulations banning tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, both within stadium premises and during televised matches,” Goel wrote. He further urged a ban on the sale of such products at all IPL-affiliated events and sports facilities. The directive also discourages sportspersons and commentators from endorsing any products associated with tobacco or alcohol, even indirectly.
With millions of viewers glued to their screens during the Indian Premier League, the tournament is a prime platform for advertisers. However, the health ministry has raised concerns about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, which account for over 70% of annual deaths.
“India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh fatalities annually. Alcohol, too, is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the country,” Goel remarked. He further highlighted that Indian Premier League and its players have a social and moral responsibility to promote public health. “Cricketers are seen as fitness icons and must lead by example. Given IPL’s massive influence, it should align with the government’s health initiatives to encourage a healthier lifestyle.”
This move reinforces India’s commitment to curbing tobacco and alcohol consumption while using sports as a platform to drive positive health messaging. Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of the tournament on March 22. Kolkata Knight Riders has appointed Ajinkya Rahane as captain and Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain for the 2025 IPL season.
Ajinkya Rahane as captain
Rahane expressed his excitement, stating, “Leading KKR is an honor. We have a well-balanced squad, and I look forward to working together to defend our title.”
Rahane’s return as an IPL captain marks a remarkable turnaround. Initially unsold after a lack-luster stint with CSK; KKR secured him for his base price of Rs 1.50 Cr in the accelerated auction round.
Since then, Rahane has rediscovered his form, leading Mumbai to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy glory as the tournament’s top scorer with 469 runs at an impressive average of 58.62 and a blazing strike rate of 164.56. KKR will begin its IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22. KKR has won three IPL titles (2012, 2014, 2024) and finished as runner-up in 2021
On another side, Matthew Mott will assist former India cricketer Hemang Badani, who was named head coach in October last year. Former England white-ball coach Matthew Mott is appointed assistant coach of IPL franchise Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season. The 51-year-old Mott will assist former India cricketer Hemang Badani, who was named head coach in October last year. The Australian joins director of cricket Venuopal Rao and bowling coach Munaf Patel in the Delhi Capitals’ support staff.
Mott, following an extremely successful stint with the Australian women’s cricket team — he guided them to two T20 World Cups, one ODI World Cup and four Ashes series wins — over seven years, became the England men’s team white-ball coach in 2022. The former first-class cricketer, with more than 3,500 runs under his belt in 66 games, stepped down as England coach in July last year after guiding them to the T20 World Cup title in Australia in 2022.
Mott had also served as assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders during the first two seasons of IPL. Delhi Capitals, who are still looking for their maiden IPL title, have made major changes to their coaching staff ahead of the new season. They brought in former India player Badani as head coach in place of legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting, while also replacing Australia’s James Hopes with ex-India pacer and member of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, Munaf, as their bowling coach.
Delhi Capitals will open their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam on March 24.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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