Chahal smoking e-cigarette during flight (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has landed in controversy after a video allegedly showing him smoking an e-cigarette during a team flight went viral on social media.
The clip, reportedly recorded during Punjab Kings’ journey to Hyderabad, quickly spread across online platforms and reignited discussions around player conduct during IPL 2026.
The footage appears to show Chahal attempting to conceal the act while seated among teammates on the flight. Reports suggest the video was initially shared on social media by teammate Arshdeep Singh before it gained wider circulation online.
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The incident has once again brought the issue of vaping and smoking among cricketers into focus. E-cigarettes remain banned in India under existing laws, and smoking during flights is also prohibited under aviation safety regulations.
Look at Yuzvendra Chahal, man. He was risking everyone’s safety by vaping an e-cigarette inside the flight while Shashank Singh and other Punjab Kings players were around him. 👀
This is totally unacceptable and highly risky for everyone. Such behavior violates flight safety… pic.twitter.com/YnXlPmPhjr
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) May 7, 2026
So far, neither the BCCI nor IPL authorities have released an official statement regarding the viral clip involving Chahal. Punjab Kings has also not commented publicly on the matter.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the IPL, where off-field behaviour of players has already drawn significant attention this season.
The latest episode has also revived memories of the earlier controversy involving Riyan Parag during Rajasthan Royals’ match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Parag was seen vaping during the game and later faced disciplinary action from the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI.
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The Rajasthan Royals captain was reprimanded and fined 25 per cent of his match fees after reportedly admitting to the offence.
Interestingly, Chahal had recently spoken publicly about improving his lifestyle and fitness to extend his cricket career. During an appearance on former South African captain AB de Villiers’ YouTube show, the 35-year-old said he had quit alcohol for more than six months to stay fitter and perform better for his team.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings are looking to recover from a difficult phase in IPL 2026 after suffering three consecutive defeats. Their next match is scheduled against Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on May 11.
