Kirti Azad Criticises Condom Ad on TV During India vs England T20I Match Live Telecast
Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has slammed a Durex condom advertisement aired during the India vs England 2nd T20 International at Old Trafford on July 4, 2026, calling it 'adult entertainment.' The former cricketer expressed concern over family audiences, including children, being exposed to such content, urging the BCCI to intervene.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament and former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad has publicly lambasted the broadcasting of a condom advertisement during the recent high-stakes T20 International between India and England, held at Old Trafford, Manchester. Azad, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, July 5, 2026, to express his strong disapproval, terming the commercial as inappropriate for family viewing and labelling it 'adult entertainment.' England Beat India by 4 Wickets in IND vs ENG 2nd T20I 2026; Jacob Bethell's Blitz Seals 1-0 Lead For Three Lions.
Kirti Azad Hits Out
Children are watching live the international T20 match between India versus England being played at Old Trafford. Isn’t it a shame that an adult advertisement of Durex comes on the screen.@BCCI to take note.
— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) July 4, 2026
The contentious advertisement, featuring a Durex product, was aired during the live telecast of the second T20I of the India in England, 5 T20I Series 2026. "Children are watching live the international T20 match between India versus England being played at Old Trafford. Isn't it a shame that an adult advertisement of Durex comes on the screen. BCCI to take note (sic)," Azad wrote in his viral post, which quickly garnered significant attention and sparked a fervent online debate.
The Controversy Unfolds
Azad's critical remarks stem from a long-standing debate in India regarding the timing and nature of advertisements for products like condoms during universally watched sports events. The former cricketer underscored the widespread family audience for cricket, which often includes children, making such advertisements a sensitive topic for many.
Reactions to Azad's stance have been sharply divided. While many social media users echoed his concerns, describing the situation as "disgusting" for families watching together and criticising the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for permitting such content, others argued against moral policing. Some respondents highlighted the importance of sex education and public health awareness, suggesting that treating such topics as taboo is the real issue. Axar Patel Becomes First Indian Spinner to 100 Wickets in T20Is, Achieves Feat During IND vs ENG 2nd T20I 2026.
BCCI's Advertising Guidelines
The BCCI, through its Media Rights Agreement, holds indirect control over advertisements during cricket broadcasts. Official broadcasters, including Viacom18 and Disney Star, are typically bound to comply with the BCCI's foundational restrictions. While the BCCI's contractual bans explicitly prohibit political or religious advertisements during live match transmissions, the guidelines regarding product categories like condoms often fall into a grey area, leaving significant commercial autonomy to broadcasters.
The incident reignites the discussion on responsible broadcasting and the balance between advertising revenue and public sensibilities, particularly when content is consumed by a diverse audience of all age groups. As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the BCCI and broadcasters to see if any new guidelines or measures are implemented in response to the growing public discourse.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 05, 2026 03:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
