IPL 2025 is set to begin from March 22. Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel has written to IPL Chairperson Arun Singh Dhumal, urging regulation of tobacco and alcohol advertisements, including surrogate promotions and sales. India is experiencing a significant burden of Non Communicable diseases- Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Chronic Lung Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension etc. which account for more than 70% deaths annually. Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians. IPL, being the largest sports platform in the country, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government,\” said the DGHS in a letter to the IPL. The IPL is India’s most viewed sports event, and is expected to be held over two months in 2025.