The government’s request came ahead of the IPL season starting March 22. The letter also stressed discouraging promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco. 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 per cent 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,\” the letter said. \”The 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,\” it said in a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also urged him to prohibit the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.