BCCI Takes Strict Action During IPL 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly asked Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh to stop posting behind-the-scenes vlogs during the ongoing IPL 2026 season after a controversy involving teammate Yuzvendra Chahal surfaced online.
The issue began when fans noticed a short clip in one of Arshdeep Singh’s travel vlogs. The footage allegedly showed Chahal appearing to use a vape or e-cigarette while travelling on a domestic flight with the Punjab Kings squad. The team was reportedly flying from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad ahead of an IPL match.
Soon after the video gained attention on social media platform X, the clip was reportedly edited out of the vlog. However, screen recordings had already spread widely online, leading to a major discussion among cricket fans and social media users.
Flight Vaping Allegations Spark Debate
The viral clip triggered mixed reactions online. Some users accused Chahal of violating flight safety norms, while others argued that the object seen in the video might not have been a vape at all. A section of fans suggested it could have been a prank or even a throat spray device.
Under DGCA regulations, vaping and smoking are prohibited on domestic flights in India. Because of these legal and image-related concerns, the BCCI reportedly decided to restrict player-generated vlogging content during the tournament.
As of now, neither Yuzvendra Chahal nor the Punjab Kings franchise has issued an official statement regarding the viral incident. Reports also suggest that the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
IPL 2026 Faces Multiple Discipline Issues
This is not the first controversy involving vaping during IPL 2026. Earlier in the season, Riyan Parag was fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed a demerit point after visuals appeared to show him vaping inside the dressing room during a Rajasthan Royals match.
Following that controversy, senior cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin advised young players to avoid carrying out personal habits in public spaces, especially during tournaments with heavy media attention.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has also reportedly expressed concerns over several “irregularities” during the season, including unauthorized people entering team areas and buses. The board is now expected to issue stricter guidelines to franchises and players to maintain professionalism and protect the IPL’s image.
Social Media Pressure on Cricketers Increases
The controversy once again highlights how closely IPL players are monitored on social media. What started as a casual travel vlog quickly turned into a nationwide discussion, showing the risks athletes face while sharing personal moments online.
Arshdeep Singh’s vlogs had become popular among fans because they offered a fun and informal look inside team travel and dressing-room activities. However, the latest controversy appears to have forced the BCCI to take preventive action to avoid further unwanted incidents during the tournament.
With IPL 2026 entering a crucial phase, the cricket board is likely to remain strict regarding player conduct, public appearances, and social media content.
