Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has come under fresh scrutiny after a viral video appeared to show him vaping inside an aircraft, the latest in a string of off-field incidents involving players during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Social media erupted on May 7 with users circulating clips and screenshots purportedly taken from a vlog by teammate Arshdeep Singh. The footage, according to online claims, captured Chahal using a vape while travelling with the Punjab Kings squad from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad. Critics alleged that the original vlog was subsequently edited and shortened to remove sections featuring the experienced wrist-spinner. The clips quickly spread across platforms, triggering widespread debate among cricket fans.
Neither Chahal nor the Punjab Kings franchise has issued any statement on the matter. NDTV Sports has not independently verified the authenticity of the video or the accompanying claims.
The incident echoes a similar controversy earlier in the tournament involving Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag, who was caught vaping inside the team dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings. Parag was subsequently fined 25 percent of his match fee for the breach.
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Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin addressed Parag’s case on his YouTube channel, describing the situation as avoidable. He urged younger players to exercise greater caution in public settings.
“I think this is totally a situation that could have been avoided. I want players not to get trapped in such things,” Ashwin remarked. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between personal choices and actions in shared or public spaces, particularly for established players who serve as role models.
“You are probably an inspiration for many cricketers, many youth… So there is some responsibility too,” Ashwin added, offering the advice as a senior figure in the game.
Rules governing air travel strictly prohibit vaping, e-cigarettes, and smoking onboard, as highlighted by several social media users referencing CISF guidelines. The latest episode has renewed discussions about player conduct and adherence to regulations during the high-profile T20 league.