Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and former India cricketer Kirti Azad has triggered a debate on social media after criticising the telecast of a Durex condom advertisement during the live broadcast of the India-England T20 International at Old Trafford.
In a post on X, Azad questioned whether such advertisements were appropriate during a sporting event watched by families and children.
“Children are watching the live international T20 match between India and England being played at Old Trafford. Isn’t it a shame that an adult advertisement of Durex comes on the screen,” Azad wrote, while tagging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The post quickly gained traction online, attracting hundreds of thousands of views and generating widespread discussion, with social media users expressing sharply divided opinions.
Supporters of Azad’s remarks argued that advertisements for products intended for adults should not be aired during family-oriented sporting events, particularly when children are likely to be part of the television audience. Some users called for stricter guidelines on advertising during live sports broadcasts.
Others disagreed, arguing that condoms are legal health products that promote safe sexual practices and family planning. They maintained that such advertisements are permitted under India’s advertising regulations and have long been part of television programming, including sports broadcasts.
The controversy has once again highlighted the broader debate over balancing public health messaging with concerns about age-appropriate content during prime-time sporting events.
Neither the BCCIthe official broadcaster of the India-England series, nor Durex had publicly responded to Azad’s remarks as of Sunday.
Advertising during cricket broadcasts is generally governed by India’s advertising and broadcasting regulations, with broadcasters and advertisers required to comply with applicable guidelines on content and scheduling.
The discussion surrounding Azad’s post continues on social media, reflecting differing public views on whether advertisements for products such as condoms are appropriate during live sports events with a mixed-age audience.
Tags: Kirti Azad, TMC, India vs England, T20 Cricket, Old Trafford, Durex, BCCI, Cricket Broadcast, Advertising, Television, Social Media, X, Condom Advertisement, Public Debate, India Cricket
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