Former India cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad on Sunday raised objections on showing condom advertisement during the live streaming of the India vs England second T20I match in Manchester. “Such commercials should not be aired when millions of children are watching the match with their families”, Azad said.
In a post on X, Azad urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take note of the issue. He questioned the appropriateness of airing the advertisement during an international cricket match being watched by a large audience, including children.
“Children are watching the international T20 match between India and England. Isn’t it a shame that an adult advertisement of Durex comes on the screen? BCCI to take note,” Azad wrote, urging the BCCI to respond on the matter.
Speaking to media, Azad described the advertisement as an adult and argued that it was shown during a time when families, including children below the age of 16, were watching the match together. He also said that the parents are often left in an uncomfortable position when such advertisements appear during live streaming of the match. Questioning the impact of ad on young viewers, Azad compared the issue with restrictions on tobacco and alcohol advertisements. “Such promotions are prohibited but advertisements of this nature continue to be aired during cricket broadcasts”, he said. Azad further questioned why the commercial was shown between overs, when viewership remains high.
Trinamool MP said the BCCI should examine the matter and clarify how such advertisements are permitted during live cricket coverage. He added that if necessary, he would raise the issue in Parliament, while stressing that the cricket board should first respond to the concerns.
Till the time, neither the BCCI nor the streaming platform had issued an official statement regarding Azad’s remarks.
The controversy emerged during the second T20I between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the match by four wickets after successfully chasing a target of 191, with Jacob Bethell remaining unbeaten on 76.