During the India vs West Indies Test in Delhi, one thing stood out the stadium stands were filled with Shikhar and Vimal hoardings. Many fans questioned why tobacco-related advertisements were so visible at a major cricket match.
Fans question tobacco promotions in stadiums
Viewers said such ads feel out of place in a sport watched by millions, including children. They believe cricket shouldn’t be used to promote harmful products, especially during international matches that attract wide audiences.
The money behind the banners
The reason for these hoardings is simple sponsorship. Fans point out that the BCCI earns significant revenue from brands like Shikhar and Vimal. This money helps fund players’ salaries, stadium operations, and domestic tournaments. Without it, running Indian cricket at its current scale would be difficult.
A question of double standards
Supporters also noted the irony that fantasy apps and online gambling face restrictions inside stadiums, yet tobacco promotions continue unchecked. For many, this raises questions about the sport’s priorities and the image it projects to younger audiences.
Balancing funding and responsibility
Parents and fans alike say the hoardings are impossible to ignore and clash with the positive spirit of the game. Cricket inspires millions, but these visuals send a mixed message. Stadiums meant to celebrate the sport instead look like giant billboards for harmful products.
The debate beyond advertising
Fans understand that the BCCI relies on sponsorships, but they believe there should be a line between funding and responsibility. The Shikhar and Vimal hoardings, for them, symbolise that tension between financial gain and the values cricket stands for.
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