Yuzvendra Chahal's Vaping Incident Sparks Controversy Amid IPL 2026

Yuzvendra Chahal, the spinner for Punjab Kings, has stirred controversy after being filmed vaping on a flight following a match loss. This incident, captured by teammate Arshdeep Singh, has gone viral and raised questions about potential disciplinary actions from the BCCI. Chahal's previous off-field behavior, including smoking in a car, adds to the scrutiny he faces. Despite these controversies, he has committed to improving his fitness by quitting drinking. As the situation unfolds, fans are left wondering about the implications for Chahal and the Punjab Kings.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 17:41 IST

Controversy Surrounds Chahal After Flight Incident

Yuzvendra Chahal, a spinner for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), has found himself in hot water once again after being filmed vaping on a flight. This incident occurred following the team's four-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

On May 4, the PBKS team flew from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad for their IPL 2026 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Unfortunately, they suffered a 33-run defeat, marking their third consecutive loss in the current IPL season.

Arshdeep Singh, a teammate, documented their flight experience on his YouTube channel, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and engaging in light-hearted banter with fellow players.

Chahal's Vaping Video Goes Viral

During Arshdeep's vlog, Chahal was inadvertently filmed vaping, which quickly gained traction on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter).

In the footage, Chahal, seated next to Shashank Singh, was seen discreetly using an e-cigarette while seemingly oblivious to the camera. The video captured him puffing away as teammates chatted and laughed around him.

This act appears to breach airline regulations that prohibit smoking or vaping on flights.

Previous Off-Field Behavior

This incident marks the second time Chahal has faced scrutiny for his off-field conduct. Previously, he was spotted smoking in a car during a private outing in Chandigarh.

The backlash intensified online after a late-night video surfaced, showing him allegedly smoking and discarding a cigarette onto the road while driving.

Chahal's Commitment to Fitness

Despite these controversies, Chahal recently disclosed on AB de Villiers' YouTube channel that he has quit drinking to enhance his career longevity and focus on fitness. He emphasized that this decision is part of his commitment to maintaining high performance as a senior athlete.

Potential Consequences for Chahal

This incident is not isolated, as another IPL player, Riyan Parag, was previously fined for vaping in the dressing room during a match. Chahal's situation is more complex since it occurred on a commercial flight.

Although the incident happened away from the stadium, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may still impose disciplinary measures due to the negative impact on the sport's reputation.

Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) might investigate the matter, as vaping on commercial flights is strictly against safety regulations. If found guilty, Chahal could face a temporary flying ban or additional legal repercussions, alongside potential disciplinary actions from the BCCI. As of now, the Punjab Kings have not issued any official comments regarding the incident.