Punjab Kings fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been told by the BCCI to stop posting vlogs for the rest of the IPL 2026 season, following a backlash sparked by a teammate’s alleged vaping incident during travel. The development comes after online users claimed that Yuzvendra Chahal used a vape on a flight as the squad moved from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad, with a clip from Arshdeep’s recent vlog becoming the focus of the controversy.
Arshdeep Singh asked to stop vlogging after Chahal vaping row
Sources reported that the BCCI moved quickly after a portion of Arshdeep’s latest social media video drew widespread attention. The claims on social platforms centred on an allegation that Chahal was vaping inside the aircraft while the team was travelling together.
- Arshdeep Singh was directed by the BCCI to refrain from uploading vlogs for the remainder of the tournament.
- The uproar began after viewers pointed to a segment of Arshdeep’s vlog, alleging that Chahal used a vape during a flight from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad.
- Neither Chahal nor Punjab Kings made any public comment on the matter, while the franchise has also not responded officially.
IPL 2026 already rocked by vaping controversy
This is not the first time the IPL 2026 has been dragged into a vaping-related dispute. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was recently penalised after footage surfaced showing him using a vape in the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings.
- Riyan Parag was fined 25% of his match fee.
- The incident occurred when he was caught on camera using a vape inside the dressing room during the game against Punjab Kings.
BCCI issues seven-page advisory on IPL conduct and “surprise checks”
Earlier on Friday, the BCCI released a detailed seven-page set of guidelines for the 10 IPL franchises, warning them about risks linked to targeted honey-trapping and outlining how teams should ensure compliance with tournament rules. The board also indicated that it will carry out unannounced “surprise checks” to verify adherence to the league’s regulatory and operational framework.
Guidance on guest access to rooms and documentation
Within the advisory, the BCCI stressed that no person is allowed to enter a team member’s room—no matter their relationship with the player or any team official—without prior awareness and consent from the team manager.
- Entry into a team member’s room requires the team manager’s prior knowledge and approval.
- Team Managers must keep records of all guest visits that have been approved and of hotel movements.
Periodic checks and consequences for rule-breaking
The BCCI also flagged that it may conduct recurring assessments to ensure franchises follow the directives laid out in the advisory. It further warned that any breach could attract legal consequences under the applicable statutory framework.
- The BCCI / IPL Operations Team may run periodic checks to evaluate compliance with the advisory.
- Team Managers are responsible for maintaining documentation for approved guest visits and hotel movements.
- Franchises and individuals found engaging in prohibited behaviour could be liable for a cognisable offence under the relevant laws.
Vaping/E-cigarettes prohibited; tournament premises included
The advisory specifically noted that instances of vaping in dressing rooms and other restricted sections at tournament venues have come to the board’s attention. It added that the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes is banned under Indian law, and that anyone found doing so on tournament premises would be violating IPL and BCCI rules and could also be committing a cognisable offence.
BCCI restricts owners from dugout communication during matches
In another directive, the BCCI instructed franchise owners to avoid communicating with players or team personnel in the dugout while a match is being played. The guidance was aimed at preventing interference during match proceedings and reinforcing strict adherence to match-day protocols.
