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,\” says the letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. \”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,\” the letter adds. ‘The Indian Premier League (IPL) being India’s most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness,’ the letter underlined.