Kamal Ghorui
Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has landed in controversy after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed him vaping during a team flight. The clip, which has spread widely online, appears to show Chahal attempting to conceal the act while seated alongside teammate Shashank Singh. The footage was reportedly taken from a podcast video shared by Arshdeep Singh. However, it is important to note that the authenticity of the video, and whether Chahal was actually using an e-cigarette, has not been independently verified.
The incident triggered a strong reaction from former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who called for stricter punishment if the allegations are proven true. Responding to a social media post, Sivaramakrishnan pointed out that vaping products are banned in India and questioned the effectiveness of the penalties currently being imposed.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan 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?” he wrote on X. His remarks also referenced the recent punishment handed to Riyan Parag. Earlier in the tournament, the Rajasthan Royals captain was fined 25 per cent of his match fees after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings. The controversy comes shortly after the BCCI circulated a detailed directive to all IPL franchises regarding tournament conduct. In the communication, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reminded teams that vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law and strictly banned across IPL venues, team hotels, dressing rooms and practice facilities. “Instances of vaping within dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI’s attention,” Saikia wrote in the official communication. “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,” he added.
