Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has found himself at the center of a controversy after an allegedly edited clip from a team travel vlog surfaced on social media. The footage appears to show Chahal vaping inside a flight while traveling with the squad for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Details of the Incident
The Punjab Kings team was traveling to Hyderabad on May 6 for their IPL 2026 clash. During the journey, pacer Arshdeep Singh, known for sharing humorous behind-the-scenes travel vlogs on his YouTube channel, uploaded a video featuring several PBKS players. In the vlog, Chahal was seated by the window alongside teammate Shashank Singh. While the officially uploaded version on YouTube did not include any controversial footage, an allegedly cut portion of the recording has since gone viral on social media platforms. In the circulated clip, Chahal can reportedly be seen vaping during the flight.
Reactions and Implications
The video has triggered widespread reactions online, especially given India's strict regulations surrounding vaping and e-cigarettes. The sale, manufacture, and import of e-cigarettes have been banned in India since 2019 under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, and vaping in public places can lead to penalties. Fans and critics alike have expressed concern over the incident, with many calling for an investigation by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Punjab Kings management.
Context and Background
Yuzvendra Chahal, a veteran spinner with over 200 IPL wickets, has been a key player for Punjab Kings since joining the franchise. This is not the first time a cricketer has faced scrutiny over vaping; in 2022, a similar incident involving another player led to a warning from the BCCI. The viral clip has once again brought attention to the conduct of players during team travel and the enforcement of anti-vaping laws.
As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the Punjab Kings management has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. Arshdeep Singh's vlog, which originally aimed to provide light-hearted content, has now sparked a debate on player responsibility and adherence to legal regulations. The TOI Sports Desk will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this story.
