Is smoking allowed on flights? Yuzvendra Chahal’s viral clip triggers heated debate

The IPL 2026 season has seen several off-field controversies alongside the cricket action. The latest debate erupted after a viral clip allegedly showed Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal vaping during a team flight.

The controversy began after social media users shared clips from Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh’s vlog. In the footage, Chahal allegedly appeared to be using a vape while travelling with the team from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad. The video quickly spread online, triggering mixed reactions among cricket fans.

Also Read | IPL 2026 playoff race heats up: Eight teams remain in contention

Several users also claimed that the original vlog was later edited and shortened to remove the portion involving Chahal. However, neither the player nor the franchise has issued an official statement on the matter so far. Reports also stated that the authenticity of the viral clip could not be independently verified.

IPL season sees repeated vaping controversies

The Chahal incident has once again drawn attention to vaping-related controversies in the IPL this year. Earlier in the tournament, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag faced disciplinary action after he was allegedly seen using an e-cigarette inside the team dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings.

Parag was reportedly fined 25 per cent of his match fees after the incident. The repeated controversies have now sparked wider discussions on player conduct and public image during the tournament.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted to the earlier Parag incident and urged young cricketers to remain careful about their actions in public spaces. He was cited by NDTV saying, “I think this is totally a situation that could have been avoided.”

Ashwin further added, “Sometimes what happens...it's a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space.”

Questions raised over vaping and aviation rules

Chahal's act was purely a complete violation of the rules. According to IndiGo's official guidelines, e-cigarettes and vapes are not allowed in either cabin or checked baggage, as they are considered potentially hazardous. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, India has imposed a complete ban on the use, sale, import, and possession of e-cigarettes. Unlike several countries that permit regulated or limited usage, India strictly prohibits e-cigarettes nationwide.

Also Read | SRH storm back to top after crushing Punjab despite Connolly’s heroic centuryr

Also, under the rules laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), smoking onboard an aircraft is considered an act that can endanger the safety of both the aircraft and its passengers. In such situations, the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) is empowered under Rule 141 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, to take appropriate action, including issuing warnings, physically restraining the passenger, or even de-boarding an unruly individual.

Netizens reaction

Sharing the highlighted segment of the video, an X dweller named Sonu wrote," Look at Yuzvendra Chahal, man. He was risking everyone’s safety by vaping an e-cigarette inside the flight while Shashank Singh and other Punjab Kings⁠ players were around him." He also added, "This is totally unacceptable and highly risky for everyone. Such behaviour violates flight safety."

A page named cricket central posted the video and questioned the dignity of modern cricketers," I don't know in which direction today's cricketers are heading. First, Riyan Parag and now Yuzvendra Chahal were allegedly caught 'red-handed' vaping/smoking. It's becoming very unprofessional. "

After the video went viral and faced massive backlash, Arshdeep Singh has been asked not to do vlogs by the Punjab Kings management.