Cloud over Chahal: Viral video sparks outcry over in-flight vaping allegations

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is at the center of a controversy after social media footage allegedly captured him vaping during a domestic flight. The incident, which reportedly took place while the Punjab Kings squad was traveling from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad, has reignited the debate over airline safety and India's stringent anti-vaping laws. The footage, initially posted by teammate Arshdeep Singh, was edited to remove the incriminating frames, but screen-recordings shared by fans showed Chahal allegedly using an e-cigarette. In India, vaping is a criminal act under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, with first-time offenders facing up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of ₹1 lakh. The timing of the controversy is particularly poor, coinciding with tightened DGCA guidelines on disruptive conduct. Aviation experts argue that vaping in a pressurized cabin poses significant risks, including battery explosions and interference with smoke detectors. If the DGCA or the airline pursues the matter, Chahal could face a multi-month flying ban and a heavy fine, which would be a catastrophic blow to his professional career.

(Source：Firstpost)