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The Union Health Ministry is planning to curb the use of tobacco among cricket fans. They will reportedly ask the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stop promoting tobacco products featuring former cricketers and Bollywood celebrities in Indian stadiums.
Usually, mouth fresheners are a common sight at some popular cricket venues. Several grounds that host the Indian Premier League (IPL) show advertisements of smokeless tobacco products such as Gutka – a mix of tobacco and pan masala.
As per a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Vital Strategies, 41.3 percent of surrogate ads of smokeless tobacco brands were displayed in 17 matches at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), tobacco ads in cricket matches tend to attract young cricket fans. An official said on condition of anonymity (via Livemint):
“Cricket matches are widely popular among young population. There have been multiple instances wherein surrogate smokeless tobacco ads are being displayed during cricket matches and celebrity endorsements 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.”
“It's disgusting and disappointing” – Gautam Gambhir on former cricketers promoting tobacco products
In an old interview, India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir has slammed former cricketers for promoting tobacco products.
While taking the example of Sachin Tendulkar as a role model, the 42-year-old revealed that he refused INR 3 crore to promote mouth fresheners. He told News 18 (via Hindustan Times):
“It's disgusting and disappointing. That is why I say, choose your role models carefully. One gets recognised not by their name, but by the work they do. Crores of kids are watching. Money is not that important that you will end up doing a Pan Masala ad.
“In 2018, when I had stepped down from Delhi Capitals captaincy, I had given up INR 3 crores. I could have taken it, but I left it because I always believe that I should get what I deserve,” Gambhir continued.
“Sachin Tendulkar was offered 20-30 crores but said no to these pan masala ads. He had promised his father that he would never engage in such stuff, which is why he is a role model,” he added.
Gautam Gambhir will make his coaching debut during the upcoming India tour of Sri Lanka, which comprises three T20Is and as many ODIs.
