The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to ban all forms of tobacco, alcohol, and crypto advertisements in IPL 2025 following a government directive. This decision will be formally discussed at the Apex Council meeting in Kolkata on March 22, just before the KKR vs RCB season opener.
Key Points:
- No direct or surrogate ads from tobacco, alcohol, or crypto brands
- Follows a health ministry directive to eliminate such sponsorships
- Will impact team sponsorship deals and central advertising revenue
Why This Ban Matters for IPL 2025
The ban will affect major sponsorship deals that have historically played a key role in IPL’s commercial success.
Crypto brands like CoinDCX and Binance have been active IPL sponsors
Alcohol brands have used surrogate ads via music CDs or soda variants
Tobacco brands have relied on indirect marketing
With crypto advertising already facing scrutiny, this move aligns with global regulatory trends aimed at protecting consumer interests.
Impact on Teams & IPL Revenue
Sponsorship restrictions could force franchises to look for new brand partnerships.
Teams like Mumbai Indians & KKR had surrogate alcohol sponsors
Crypto exchanges were among IPL’s fastest-growing advertisers
BCCI may lose ad revenue but could gain govt support
Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Venue & Planning Underway
Apart from the sponsorship ban, the BCCI will also discuss:
Venues for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
Formation of an organizing committee
Domestic season planning for 2025-26
With India hosting the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time since 2013, the event could boost the growth of women’s cricket in the country.
What’s Next?
The official announcement regarding the ban on tobacco, alcohol, and crypto sponsorships is expected after the Apex Council meeting. As IPL teams prepare for the new financial landscape, fans will be keen to see how franchises adapt to the advertising shake-up.