Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is facing social media backlash after a video allegedly shows him vaping on a domestic flight.

The incident has drawn scrutiny because it follows a previous vaping controversy involving teammate Riyan Parag during the current season. It also raises concerns regarding aviation safety regulations and the professional conduct of athletes during the IPL 2026 [1].

The footage in question reportedly comes from a vlog created by teammate Arshdeep Singh. The video shows Chahal on a flight traveling from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad [2], [3]. Social media users began sharing clips from the vlog, suggesting the bowler was using an electronic cigarette while in the air [2].

Public reaction to the video has been divided. While some fans expressed disappointment over the alleged breach of flight safety rules, others suggested the clip might be a prank or edited [5]. The authenticity of the footage remains a point of contention among viewers, with some arguing that the video does not definitively prove Chahal was vaping [5].

This controversy occurs amid the mid-season travel schedule of the 2026 [1] tournament. The Punjab Kings have not released an official statement regarding the footage, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not announced any disciplinary actions [4].

Reports on the nature of the video vary. Some sources focus on the flight footage [2], while others have mentioned separate sightings of the player smoking in a vehicle, adding to the confusion surrounding the viral clips [5].

“The footage in question reportedly comes from a vlog created by teammate Arshdeep Singh.”

The situation highlights the volatility of athlete reputations in the era of athlete-led vlogging. Because the evidence relies on a teammate's social media content rather than official reports, the BCCI's response will likely depend on whether the footage is proven to be a genuine safety violation or a staged prank for digital content.