Health ministry seeks surrogate tobacco, alcohol ads ban at IPL: 'Bar these unhealthy products too,' say netizens

In the upcoming season of India's Premier League(IPL), you might not see the ads for surrogate tobacco or alcohol in the stadiums, on TV, on products at the events, or even those endorsed by various sportspersons. India's health ministry has written to the BCCI asking for a complete ban of such products during the IPL. In the letter, the department says that India is experiencing a significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes and hypertension, and they account for more than 70% of deaths annually. "Tobacco and alcohol use are the key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths. At the same time, alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," mentions the letter, addressed to Arun Singh Dhumal, Chairperson of IPL. Though advertising tobacco and liquor products is prohibited in India, the makers generally promote them as mouth freshners or soda to get around the law, which are called 'surrogate' product ads. 

Extend the ban to...
Meanwhile, on various social media platforms, netizens have been asking why the ban also does not extend to gambling and fantasy game ads. "It is way more addictive and destructive than alcohol and is directly plugged into the game. Their ads shouldn't be anywhere near the IPL," a user mentioned on Reddit. A few of the profiles also urged banning sugary drinks like Pepsi and their derivative products at events like IPL, which youngsters view extensively. 
In the letter to IPL, the health ministry says that youngsters often see cricket players as role models for promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Many netizens quote this line and say that in the spirit of the same, other unhealthy products should also be brought under its purview. 

Why the suggestion has merit
According to the Cleveland Clinic, gambling addiction is a mental health condition that can cause clinical stress, which triggers problems at a person's school, place of work, relationships and even finances. Though not everyone who gambles develops the disorder, it is referred to as a condition that resembles substance use disorder. They both can change the user's brain chemistry, have features of withdrawal and tolerance, and can affect adults and adolescents.