 "BCCI faces backlash for continuing to promote gutka products amid Health Ministry's concerns")
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing sharp criticism for continuing to display advertisements promoting smokeless tobacco products at cricket stadiums, despite concerns from the Union Health Ministry to curb such advertising. The controversy reignited on 9 February, 2025, when advertisements for tobacco brands were spotted at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack during the 2nd ODI between India and England.
Despite reports that the Union Health Ministry is planning to ask the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stop displaying smokeless tobacco advertisements, particularly surrogate ads for gutka products, the BCCI has continued to promote these products during the Indian cricket team’s matches at home.
The advertisements, which often feature Bollywood celebrities or former cricketers, continue to raise concerns about the ethical implications of endorsing such products in the sport, especially considering cricket’s enormous influence on young fans across the globe.
BCCI slammed for its continued promotion of gutka products
The controversy has sparked a wave of social media backlash. Fans have taken to platforms like ‘X’ to voice their dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s stance on tobacco advertising. One user criticised the BCCI for focusing on financial gains while overlooking public health. Another user raised concerns about the ethics of a multi-billion-dollar organisation advertising cancer-causing products.
BCCI is the richest cricket body in the world.
— Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) February 9, 2025
In FY 2023-24, BCCI earned ₹18,700 crore (US$2.2 billion).
But, they will advertise cancer causing Gutkha in cricket stadiums to earn more money.
Pics from Barabati Stadium, Cuttack during practice session yesterday. 👇 pic.twitter.com/Ihet3RXRox
BCCI had decided that it will never promote Pan Gutka, tobacco but it is visible in the media. BCCI is corrupt and the viewers do not get anything in the name of facilities. It should be investigated what they do with the money.@JPNadda @BCCI @dir_ed #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/w4eu8YSmOF
— Sudhanshu Singh (@Sudhansingh3686) February 9, 2025
The issue has sparked renewed calls for stricter rules on advertising in sports. The BCCI as the biggest sporting body in India should allow itself to set good examples rather than promoting harmful products that could impact the health of millions of young people in the country.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the BCCI has yet to take any action to remove tobacco advertisements from stadiums. While the BCCI has remained silent on this incident, its continued promotion of such brands may have long-term repercussions for its image.
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