A fresh controversy has erupted around Yuzvendra Chahal after a viral social media clip allegedly showed the Punjab Kings spinner vaping during the team’s journey to Hyderabad in IPL 2026. While the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, the incident has already triggered sharp reactions from fans, former cricketers, and the cricketing fraternity.
The clip, reportedly taken from a vlog linked to Arshdeep Singh, appears to show Chahal seated among teammates on a flight while seemingly attempting to conceal the act. The video quickly spread across multiple platforms, leading to intense scrutiny, especially because the use and sale of e-cigarettes are banned in India under existing laws.
Although there has been no official confirmation from either Punjab Kings or the BCCI regarding disciplinary action against Chahal, online speculation intensified after rumours surfaced claiming that Arshdeep had been stopped from creating team vlogs and that Chahal had received a strict warning internally.
The controversy comes at a sensitive stage of the IPL season, with franchises already under pressure to maintain discipline and uphold the league’s code of conduct. Chahal, one of India’s most experienced T20 bowlers, has yet to publicly address the allegations surrounding the viral clip.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan lashes out at Yuzvendra Chahal
Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan reacted strongly to the controversy and did not hold back while expressing his disappointment over the alleged incident. Taking to X, Sivaramakrishnan questioned why stricter punishment was not being considered if the allegations turned out to be true.
“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?” he wrote in his social media post.
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?
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 8, 2026
His remarks immediately gained traction online, dividing opinion among cricket fans. While some supported the former spinner’s hard stance on enforcing the law equally for public figures, others argued that the matter should not be judged until the authenticity of the clip is officially established.
BCCI introduces strict anti-vaping measures
Amid the growing debate, the BCCI has already moved to tighten regulations concerning vaping and prohibited substances during IPL 2026. In a fresh set of directives issued to franchises and players, the board made it clear that vaping would not be tolerated within tournament premises.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that incidents involving vaping had been brought to the board’s attention and warned that such actions could amount to violations under Indian law. According to the new directives, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and related prohibited substances has now been completely banned across IPL venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, practice facilities, and team hotels.
“Instances of vaping within dressing room and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI’s attention. It is pertinent to note that vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian Law. Any individual found engaging in such conduct within tournament premises is not only violating BCCI and IPL regulations but may also be committing a cognisable offence under applicable statutory framework. 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,” said Saikia as quoted by India Today.
