A viral video on social media is said to show the Punjab Kings using an e-cigarette while traveling with the team to Hyderabad.
Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal landed in the limelight after a viral video on social media allegedly showed him using an e-cigarette during the team’s flight to Hyderabad ahead of the Punjab Kings IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday 8.
The video, which has gone viral on the internet, appears to show the gunner trying to cover up the act while sitting on a plane with teammates around him. However, India Today could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage or confirm whether Chahal was actually vaping in the video. However, it should be noted that e-cigarettes are banned in India.
This is not the first time that the veteran spinner has found himself at the center of controversy over smoking-related visuals. Earlier this year, another clip in which Chahal was allegedly seen smoking while driving a car went viral. The video also appeared to show him throwing a cigarette on the road before driving off, prompting criticism from fans on social media.
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST CASE OF VAPING
The latest controversy has reignited the debate over player behavior and vaping regulations in Indian cricket. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to issue any official statement regarding the viral video involving Chahal, a similar incident earlier in the IPL season had already prompted disciplinary proceedings.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag had earlier faced legal action by the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council after he was allegedly spotted with an e-cigarette during Rajasthan Royals’ match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. The 24-year-old later pleaded guilty to the offense and was given a reprimand along with a fine of 25 per cent of his match fees.
NO MORE ALCOHOL
Wry, Chahal has recently spoken publicly about making lifestyle changes to improve his fitness and prolong his career. Ahead of IPL 2026, the 35-year-old revealed that he has completely stopped consuming alcohol in a bid to stay fit and set an example for younger cricketers.
“I have stopped drinking alcohol and it has been more than six months now. I am 35 now, so I want to be more active and give 150% to my team. As a senior player, I want people in the IPL to learn something from me,” Chahal said.
The leg-spinner also spoke about dealing with injuries last season, including fractured ribs and a hamstring injury, which hampered his bowling performances during the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings are currently struggling for momentum in IPL 2026 after suffering three consecutive defeats. They are next scheduled to face Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Monday, May 11.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
07 May 2026 15:41 IST
