BCCI to Discuss Ban on Tobacco Ads Ahead of IPL 2025 Kickoff

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Apex Council is set to meet on March 22, just hours before the IPL 2025 opener in Kolkata. The meeting will address several important topics, including the Health Ministry’s recent directive regarding tobacco and alcohol advertisements.

One of the key items on the agenda is a government recommendation urging the BCCI to ban tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, during IPL matches and related events. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also advised against endorsements of these products by sportspersons, directly or indirectly.

Additionally, the Apex Council will discuss the formation of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, which will be held in India for the first time since 2013. The meeting will also finalize the venues for this prestigious event, as well as for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and South Africa during the men’s home season.

Other matters, such as the format of domestic cricket tournaments, will also be discussed as part of the broader planning for the future of Indian cricket.