Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has found himself at the center of a controversy after a video surfaced on social media, allegedly showing him vaping during a team flight. The clip, which has gone viral, appears to depict Chahal attempting to hide the act while seated next to teammate Shashank Singh. The footage is believed to have been taken from a podcast video shared by Arshdeep Singh. However, the authenticity of the video and whether Chahal was actually using an e-cigarette have not been independently confirmed.
Reactions from Cricket Fraternity
The incident drew sharp criticism from former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who called for severe punishment if the allegations are proven true. Responding to a social media post, Sivaramakrishnan emphasized that vaping products are banned in India and questioned the effectiveness of current penalties. He wrote on X: "Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having Laws and not implementing them? 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this, What would the action be?" His remarks also referenced the recent fine imposed on Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals captain, who was penalized 25% of his match fees for vaping in the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings.
BCCI's Directive on Vaping
The controversy comes shortly after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a detailed directive to all IPL franchises regarding conduct during the tournament. In the communication, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reminded teams that vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law and strictly banned across IPL venues, team hotels, dressing rooms, and practice facilities. "Instances of vaping within dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI's attention," Saikia wrote. "Accordingly, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all prohibited substances is strictly banned within all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, and practice facilities."
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