Yuzvendra Chahal Vaping Video Sparks IPL Firestorm

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-08

Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is at the center of a social media storm after a video clip allegedly showed him vaping on an IndiGo flight. The footage appeared in a travel vlog posted by teammate Arshdeep Singh, filmed as the team traveled from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad. In the clip, Chahal appears to inhale and exhale smoke mid-flight, which immediately drew sharp criticism from fans and followers. The original vlog was later edited to remove the controversial part, but that only fueled more speculation. Some people questioned whether the act was real or just a staged prank, referencing an earlier incident involving Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag. So far, neither Chahal nor Punjab Kings has issued an official statement. The authenticity of the footage hasn't been independently confirmed. ### What Indian Law Says About Vaping The rules around vaping in India are strict and clear. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019, e-cigarettes are completely banned across the country. You can't use them, possess them, sell them, or import them, and there are no exceptions for personal use. On flights, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has a zero-tolerance policy for smoking of any kind. The Pilot-in-Command has the authority under Rule 141 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, to warn, restrain, or even deboard passengers who smoke or vape mid-air. IndiGo's own guidelines also state that e-cigarettes aren't allowed in either cabin baggage or checked luggage. Penalties for confirmed violations can include fines up to approximately $12,000 (Rs 10 lakh), imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Airlines can also impose flying bans of up to 30 days under updated DGCA guidelines.  ### The Real Danger of Vaping on a Plane Beyond breaking the law, vaping on a flight poses a serious safety risk. E-cigarette vapor can trigger smoke detectors on aircraft, which crews have to treat as emergencies. This confusion between vapor and actual smoke can delay a response to a genuine fire hazard, which is one of the most dangerous situations possible on a plane. - Smoke detectors are highly sensitive and designed to catch any trace of smoke - False alarms can cause panic among passengers and crew - Every second counts in a real emergency, so any distraction is risky  ### IPL 2026: Two Vaping Controversies in One Season This is the second vaping incident in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Earlier, Riyan Parag was caught vaping in the dressing room during a live broadcast of a Rajasthan Royals match against Punjab Kings. That incident was confirmed and punished. Parag received a fine of 25% of his match fee along with a demerit point under the IPL Code of Conduct. The Chahal situation, while still unconfirmed, follows a similar pattern and raises wider concerns. The BCCI has been under growing pressure to address repeated off-field conduct issues during the league. If Chahal's case is verified, a similar or stricter response from the board is expected. ### What Other Players Say About Public Conduct Senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, commenting on the Parag incident, offered advice that applies here too. He said personal choices remain personal, but making them in public spaces creates different consequences for players who are role models, especially to young fans. He specifically pointed to the responsibility that comes with being a captain or franchise leader. Fans on social media echoed that sentiment. Many questioned how a vape device got through airport security in the first place. Others simply labeled the alleged act as irresponsible given the safety stakes on a commercial flight. Whether the clip tells the full story remains to be seen, but the questions it has raised aren't going away quickly.