BCCI Apex Council Meeting to take call on No ugly tobacco ads in IPL 2025
The BCCI has scheduled an Apex Council meeting on March 22, 2025, coinciding with the IPL opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Kolkata. Key topics on the agenda include a potential ban on tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate advertisements, following a letter from Director General of Health Services Atul Goel to IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. This would impact advertisements during IPL matches, events, and broadcasts. While state cricket associations manage sponsorships, the BCCI could advise them to align with government directives.
Another significant discussion will focus on preparations for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, including forming a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and finalizing venues. India last hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2023.
The council will also deliberate on the men’s international schedule for 2025-26. India is set to host West Indies and South Africa for Test series, with venues yet to be decided. Additionally, Bangladesh will play a white-ball series in August.
These discussions reflect critical administrative and policy decisions as the BCCI balances commercial interests with compliance and long-term planning for Indian cricket.