New Delhi, March 10: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has asked officials at the Indian Premier League to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertisements from upcoming sports events.

Notably, the letter by Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services urges Arun Singh Dhumal, Chairperson, IPL, to regulate tobacco and alcohol advertisements including surrogate advertisements and sales during the upcoming cricket season, slated to begin on March 22.

The ban extends both to stadium premises as well as a live telecast on television.

“The IPL being India’s most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness,” said Goel, in the letter, dated March 5.

He cited that tobacco and alcohol are significantly responsible for the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the country. “Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc. account for more than 70 per cent of deaths annually.

Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. “India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians,” the health ministry official said.

The letter, also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, asked IPL officials to “strictly implement” the regulations to ban all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, “within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television”.

The sale of tobacco or alcohol products must also be regulated “in all affiliated events and sports facilities”.

The letter also sought to “discourage the promotion of sportspersons (including commentators) who directly or indirectly endorse products directly or indirectly linked to alcohol or tobacco”.

The letter stated that “cricket players are role models for the youngsters” and that promoting tobacco or alcohol products by them can have a poor impact on youngsters’ minds.

Instead, they should promote “a healthy, active lifestyle”. Goel asked IPL to share a “social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government”.

Mumbai, March 10: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution congratulating the Indian cricket team for winning the Champions Trophy.

The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who said India has become the only country to have won the Champions Trophy three times. “This victory is an unforgettable gift that our team has given to countless Indian cricket fans. During this entire tournament, a team spirit was seen in the Indian team. It is worth seeing,” he said.

“Under the leadership of Captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian team worked very hard. In the last match, Captain Rohit Sharma played very well. The way he changed his usual style and hit the pitch in a medium-fast, medium-slow manner and added 76 runs. These 76 runs were decisive. Therefore, I congratulate him wholeheartedly,” reads the resolution.

“The Champions Trophy has been continuously giving us a hard time. India has become the only country to win both the ICC trophies twice in a row, last year’s T20 World Cup and now the Champions Trophy,” reads the resolution.

“Actually, in the initial stages of this Champions Trophy, many critics were talking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. There was a discussion about whether they are in form or not. But both of them have shown here that form is temporary, class is permanent,” said the Chief Minister. “Rohit Sharma’s classy batting, after Virat Kohli’s performance in the previous match. He showed that he is an experienced but young type of player,” Fadnavis said.

“I would like to especially praise Varun Chakravarti. He played cricket in his school days but then he became an architect. He broke off his relationship with cricket and worked as an architect. But cricket was in his blood. He turned to cricket again. Today, everyone was destroyed by his spin. He showed what he is,” he said while showering praise over Varun Chakravarti. “Varun Chakravarti and Kuldeep Yadav took important wickets at important moments,” said the chief minister.

“We definitely want to welcome this champion team. Today, we will pass a resolution of congratulations on behalf of the House. This resolution of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly should be sent to every member of the team in the form of a letter of commendation,” suggested the CM.

After the Chief Minister moved the resolution, Speaker Rahul Narwekar asked the members to pass it. Thereafter, members from the treasury and opposition benches unanimously passed the resolution.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police has issued a traffic advisory for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 T20 cricket matches scheduled at Brabourne Stadium in Churchgate from March 10 to March 15. The advisory aims to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimize inconvenience to the public.

According to the notification issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Traffic, Pradnya Jedge, the restrictions will be in effect daily from 12 pm to 11:55 pm during the match days.

Traffic Restrictions & No Parking Zones

To prevent congestion, the Pay & Park facility on key roads near the stadium will be temporarily suspended, and parking will be prohibited in the following areas:

– Veer Nariman Road (Sunder Mahal Junction to Churchgate Junction)

– Dinshaw Vachha Road (Marine Plaza Junction to Western India Automobile Association Chowk)

– N.S Road (Sunder Mahal Junction to Air India Junction, both South & North Bound)

– Jamshethji Tata Road (CD Deshmukh Chowk to Churchgate Junction, both South & North Bound)

Additionally, all vehicles, except emergency services, will be prohibited from using these roads during the restricted hours.

Mumbai Indians Eye Top Spot In WPL 2025

On the sporting front, the Mumbai Indians will aim to climb to the top of the WPL 2025 points table, beginning with their match against the in-form Gujarat Giants on Monday.

Currently placed third with 8 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.267, Mumbai Indians have a crucial opportunity to secure first place by winning their upcoming matches against Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A double victory would take them to 12 points, guaranteeing a top finish.

Finishing first is particularly important for Mumbai Indians as it would help them avoid playing a fourth match within six days, reducing player fatigue ahead of the knockout stage.

With both traffic arrangements and on-field action heating up, Mumbai is set for an exciting week of cricket and logistical management around Brabourne Stadium.