Condom ad during India vs. England T20 sparks debate: World Cup winner says 'Kids are watching'

Condom ad during India vs. The England T20 at Old Trafford has sparked a major debate online. Former cricketer Kirti Azad wrote about it.

His post targeting BCCI went viral and quickly got more than 2.71 lakh views. He questioned whether adult advertisements were appropriate when watching cricket as a family.

“Kids are watching the live T20 international match between India and England being played at Old Trafford. No shame in having an adult Durex ad on the screen. BCCI take note (sic),” Kirti Azad wrote.

The World Cup winner’s post attracted over 600 comments, more than 350 reposts and a total of 2,200 likes. The debate that followed reflected a sharp divide in public opinion.

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Several users agreed with Azad’s concern about the timing of the ad. One user described the situation as “disgusting” for a family audience watching together.

“It’s disgusting to see ads like this when the whole family is watching the game and sitting together…Damn Durex,” the user wrote.

Another user simply agreed, adding that the ad was poorly done. Some respondents criticized the BCCI for allowing such advertisements during cricket broadcasts.

However, a significant number of responses pushed back strongly against Azad’s position. Many users argued that condom ads serve a vital public health purpose.

One user points out that condoms are already included in the NCERT Class 10 syllabus. They argue that teenagers who have reached puberty should be aware of contraception. Another user bluntly called Azad’s complaint “a matter of basic sex education,” not a moral one.

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One user claims that India’s widespread stance on such topics contributes to poor sex education. Their comment, which has reached 1,400 views, argued that the real problem is seeing sex as a taboo.

“Due to your mentality which is most Indians… India lacks sex education and sex is taboo in today’s modern world,” the user wrote.

Some responses took direct aim at Azad’s political credibility. Kirti Azad, who was part of India’s 1983 World Cup team, is a TMC MLA who recently expressed solidarity with Mamata Banerjee.

One user pointedly referred to his behavior during the parliamentary proceedings on TV. They compared a Durex ad with Azad allegedly filmed vaping on national television. Another user questioned his competence to raise concerns about public morality given his own behavior.

Another user accused Azad of watching the match purely to find things to criticize.

“You don’t want to watch the match. You sit in front of the television with only one intention: ‘What should I note down to criticize the BCCI?’ Condoms are part of the child’s curriculum. What children should avoid is any contact with you and your negative thoughts Mr. Sour Grapes,” the user commented.

Ads during cricket match: BCCI’s responsibility?

The BCCI indirectly controls advertisements during cricket broadcasts through its media rights agreement. Official broadcasters like Viacom18 and Disney Star have to follow BCCI’s basic restrictions. However, broadcasters retain significant commercial autonomy beyond these specific boundaries.

BCCI’s contractual bans are clearly defined. Article 8.6(B) expressly prohibits political or religious advertisements during live match broadcasts.

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Advertisement of a political party was earlier pulled during the IPL season under this rule. The BCCI also strictly regulates ambush marketing by rival brands against its tier one sponsors.

Government authorities can also intervene directly through the BCCI. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues guidelines on illegal betting apps and tobacco substitute advertising.

The BCCI then passes these restrictions on to the streaming platforms. In addition to absolute bans, broadcasters independently review day-to-day business decisions.