Punjab Kings leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has become the centre of an online storm after a claim circulated that he was filmed vaping during an in-flight journey alongside his IPL squad. While the allegation has not been independently verified, the spinner has chosen to stay silent as social media reacts strongly to the footage. The controversy has also gained fresh momentum because it follows a separate vaping-related disciplinary action involving Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag.
Chahal allegation sparks debate over enforcement
The discussion around Chahal’s alleged conduct has intensified largely because of the apparent contradiction between a clearly stated prohibition and the way similar incidents are handled. Even without an official confirmation of what was captured, the episode has prompted renewed calls for stricter discipline across the league.
Former India batter Laxman Sivaramakrishnan urged a tough approach, arguing that vaping is illegal in India and should lead to serious consequences. On X, Sivaramakrishnan wrote that vape use is banned, saying it “should be behind bars,” and questioned the purpose of having laws if they are not enforced. He added that the financial impact of sanctions—he cited a 25% match-fee deduction as an example—would be “peanuts,” and posed a hypothetical about what would happen if an ordinary person were involved.
BCCI fine and demerit point for Riyan Parag
The backlash has been amplified by the disciplinary steps already taken in the Parag case. Earlier, the BCCI issued details of the sanction, stating that Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, was fined 25% of his match fee and also received one demerit point. The decision was linked to a breach of Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials.
- Sanction: 25% deduction from Riyan Parag’s match fee
- Additional penalty: one Demerit Point for a Level 1 Code of Conduct breach
- Competition context: the incident was tied to Match No. 40 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026
- Fixture: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
What happened in the match and what the BCCI cited
In its explanation, the board said Riyan Parag was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which addresses behaviour that brings the game into disrepute. The BCCI further described that the episode took place during the second innings of the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals encounter at Mullanpur.
According to the board’s statement, Parag was seen using a vape inside the dressing room while the match was in progress. It also noted that the captain admitted the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma.
- Timing: during the second innings
- Venue: Mullanpur
- Location in question: inside the dressing room
- Code reference: Article 2.21 (conduct that brings the game into disrepute)
- Admission: Parag admitted the offence and accepted the sanction
- Match Referee: Amit Sharma
BCCI response and possible further action
The BCCI also indicated that it is considering additional measures beyond the immediate penalty. It said other options are being explored to initiate proceedings for stronger action against the team, its officials, and the relevant player(s) in order to protect the league’s reputation.
In the same communication, the board reiterated the structure of Level 1 offences, explaining that such breaches result in a 25% match-fee deduction along with one demerit point.
- The board is exploring further proceedings for stricter action
- Potential targets include the franchise, officials, and the concerned player(s)
- Level 1 offences: 25% match-fee deduction and one demerit point
