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Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has found himself at the center of controversy after a live broadcast clip captured him apparently vaping inside the team dressing room during their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 28 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

The incident occurred in the 16th over of RR's chase of 223, with Parag seen casually using an e-cigarette while seated alongside teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. He had earlier scored 29 off 16 balls before getting out. The visuals quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread backlash over the unprofessional conduct in a high-profile professional environment. Clarification on Rules: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside dressing rooms and stadium premises, except in designated areas. India banned e-cigarettes and vapes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, which outlaws their production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement. Violations can attract fines and imprisonment. BCCI and IPL guidelines also enforce tobacco-free zones in cricket venues to maintain player discipline and set an example for fans.

 

As RR captain, Parag's actions have drawn extra scrutiny, with fans questioning the lapse in a live match setting and calling it careless behavior. Will Riyan Parag be Punished? While no official statement has come from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia yet, experts suggest the IPL could impose disciplinary action under its code of conduct for bringing the game into disrepute. Possible penalties include a fine, suspension for upcoming matches, or a warning. Legal repercussions under PECA remain a remote but noted possibility, though BCCI typically handles internal player discipline first. Similar past incidents have led to fines or brief bans for players violating anti-tobacco or conduct rules.