Mumbai: Experienced leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, currently playing for Punjab Kings, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm. A video circulating online allegedly depicts the cricketer using an e-cigarette (vape) inside a flight during the team’s journey to Hyderabad. In the footage, Chahal is reportedly seen attempting to conceal the device.
The controversy gained momentum after reports surfaced that the original video was part of a travel vlog posted by the Punjab Kings’ official social media handle. Once fans noticed the brief clip of Chahal supposedly vaping, the franchise reportedly deleted the video from all platforms. However, screen-recorded snippets continue to circulate widely, although the authenticity of the footage has not yet been officially verified by the team or the player.
This incident marks the second vaping-related dispute in the current IPL season. On April 28, Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag faced similar scrutiny after he was allegedly spotted vaping in the dressing room at Mullanpur Stadium during a match against Punjab. The recurring nature of these incidents has sparked a debate among fans regarding the code of conduct for athletes, especially while travelling or within high-profile sporting environments.
As of now, neither the IPL governing body nor the Punjab Kings management has issued a formal statement regarding potential disciplinary action. Chahal, who is a key asset for the Punjab bowling attack, has yet to comment on the allegations.
