The Indian Premier League has entered its last phase of the season. The tournament is getting more exciting, and yesterday the BCCI announced venues for the playoff matches. Now, one more vaping controversy erupts into flames. After the Riyan Parag vaping case, now, Punjab Kings leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal caught vaping, while his video sparks a buzz on the internet. Ahead of the Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad match on Wednesday, 8th May. He was seen consuming an e-cigarette, which became a serious issue on the internet.
This isn’t the first occasion where Yuzvendra Chahal has landed in the spotlight over visuals linked to smoking. Earlier this year, a separate video circulated widely on social media in which the experienced leg-spinner was allegedly seen smoking while behind the wheel of a car. The clip also appeared to show him tossing the cigarette onto the road before driving off, prompting criticism from fans online.
Fresh Debate Around Vaping and Player Discipline
The latest viral clip has once again sparked conversations around player behaviour and vaping-related rules in Indian cricket. So far, neither the IPL nor the authorities have released an official response regarding the video involving Chahal.
A similar controversy had surfaced earlier during the IPL season when Riyan Parag came under scrutiny. The Rajasthan Royals captain was allegedly seen using an e-cigarette during his side’s clash against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Parag later accepted the mistake, following which the BCCI and IPL Governing Council issued a reprimand and fined him 25 per cent of his match fee.
Chahal Opens Up on Fitness-First Lifestyle Change
What makes the latest controversy more surprising is that Yuzvendra Chahal had recently spoken about transforming his lifestyle to extend his cricket career and improve his fitness levels ahead of IPL 2026. The 35-year-old leg-spinner revealed that he had completely given up alcohol over the past six months as part of his effort to stay in top physical condition and lead by example for younger players in the league.
“I have quit alcohol completely, and it’s been over six months now. At 35, I want to stay more active and give everything for my team. Being one of the senior players, I also want youngsters in the IPL to take something positive from my journey,” Chahal had said earlier.
Chahal’s recovery from Injury
The veteran spinner also spoke about the injury setbacks he battled last season, including a rib fracture and a knuckle issue, both of which affected his bowling rhythm during the crucial knockout phase. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings are searching for answers after enduring three straight defeats in IPL 2026. Their next challenge will be against the Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium on Monday, May 11.
5 Cricketers Who Were Caught Vaping on Camera
Cricket has seen its share of off-field moments, and a few well-known players have landed in the spotlight after being seen vaping or smoking during matches and tournaments. Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag recently became a talking point after cameras appeared to catch him vaping inside the team area during IPL 2026. Earlier, former Australian captain Aaron Finch drew attention in IPL 2020 when a brief dugout clip showed him blowing out vape smoke. South African legend AB de Villiers also made headlines after a similar moment during the SA20 league in 2026. In addition, former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum and England all-rounder Ben Stokes have openly spoken about smoking during tense World Cup situations. Such incidents continue to fuel conversations around professionalism, athlete influence, and the pressure that comes with top-level cricket.
