Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar turns down Tobacco endorsements, remains committed to father’s advice

On World No Tobacco Day, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar made a significant revelation, sharing how he had received multiple offers to promote tobacco products but had steadfastly refused them all. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Tendulkar expressed his gratitude to his father, Ramesh Tendulkar, for advising him against endorsing tobacco.

Recalling his early days in cricket, Tendulkar mentioned that he had just graduated from school when he started receiving numerous advertisement offers. However, his father firmly instructed him never to promote tobacco products. Tendulkar remained true to his father’s advice, rejecting all the lucrative offers that came his way.

During an interview with a news channel, the 50-year-old icon revealed that for nearly two years, he did not have a sticker on his bat, while his teammates were promoting two prominent cigarette brands. Despite marketers suggesting that he could profit from using the stickers, Tendulkar stood firm in his commitment to his father’s teachings.

He explained, “This was a promise I made to my father. He told me I am a role model and a lot of people will follow what I do. That is why I have never endorsed tobacco products or alcohol.” In the 1990s, while his bat remained devoid of any endorsement stickers, Tendulkar did not have a contract. In stark contrast, his fellow teammates were endorsing the brands Wills and Four Square.

Have never broken this promise to my father – Tendulkar

Tendulkar reiterated that he never broke his promise to his father by refusing to endorse these brands. Despite receiving numerous offers from them, he chose not to promote them. His unwavering dedication to his father’s values and his desire to be a positive role model led him to distance himself from tobacco and alcohol endorsements.

“I didn’t break the promise that I gave to my father by not endorsing these brands. I got many offers from them to endorse their brand by having their sticker on my bat but I didn’t want to promote all that. I have stayed away from these two things and have never broken the promise to my father,” he added.

The legendary cricketer’s decision to prioritize his principles over financial gain is a testament to his character and serves as an inspiration to many. Sachin Tendulkar’s refusal to endorse tobacco products showcases his strong moral compass and unwavering commitment to the values instilled in him by his father.