IPL 2025: BCCI to ban tobacco, alcohol, and crypto sponsorships

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to enforce a ban on all tobacco, alcohol, and cryptocurrency sponsorships in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). This restriction will also include indirect promotions through surrogate advertisements during the IPL.

The BCCI is mulling over banning all forms of tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate advertisements, during the IPL after getting instructions from the health ministry, as they urged strict restrictions on such promotions during the tournament.

BCCI to ban tobacco, alcohol, and crypto sponsorships in IPL 2025

The decision is expected to be discussed formally during the BCCI’s Apex Council meeting on March 22, just before the opening match of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

This decision is expected to impact various sponsorship deals, as the Indian T20 league has seen surrogate advertising from alcohol and tobacco brands since its inception. Item No. 9 on the board’s agenda reads, “Discussion regarding sponsorship from tobacco and crypto brands.”

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Apart from sponsorship regulations, the BCCI will also finalize venues for the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted in India in October. The BCCI is expected to set up a dedicated committee to oversee the tournament’s organization.

BCCI set to finalize the format for the 2025-26 domestic cricket and venues for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

The schedule and venues for the tournament will be finalized in the coming months. As reported by PTI, the agenda is also to have a "discussion on the formation of LOC for Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 and discussion regarding venues for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025”.

Meanwhile, the Apex Council will also decide on the format for the 2025-26 domestic cricket season. India is set to host West Indies and South Africa in the home season, so the Apex Council is expected to select the venues for those Test series in the upcoming meeting.

With new office-bearers now in charge, the BCCI will also approve changes to the authorized signatories for its bank accounts.

On the other hand, Torrent Group, a major player in healthcare and energy, has officially taken over as the majority owner of the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans. The company has successfully completed the acquisition of a 67% stake in the team.

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Torrent Group becomes majority owner of Gujarat Titans

The transfer of ownership from Irelia Sports India Private Limited (CVC Capital) to Torrent Group is now finalized after receiving the necessary approvals. With the BCCI giving the green light, the Ahmedabad-based company now holds control of the franchise.

Notably, CVC purchased the Gujarat Titans in 2022 for INR 5,625 crore, and the team's value has since increased by INR 1,897 crore—about 34% growth.

The Titans had an impressive start, winning the IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023 under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. However, they finished eighth with just five wins last season under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.