A 2018 fact sheet released by the World Health Organisation estimated that about 9.5 percent of all deaths in India were tobacco-related.
As per the global adult tobacco survey (GATS), 199.4 million adults in India consumed smokeless tobacco. (Shutterstock)
In a letter to BCCI President Roger Binny and Director General (DG) of SAI Sandip Pradhan, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel said that sportspersons, especially cricketers, are role models for youngsters for promoting a healthy, active and productive lifestyle. DGHS also suggested measures such as getting players to sign an anti-tobacco ‘Declaration of Interest’ form.