Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, may face disciplinary action after being seen vaping during an ongoing match in the Indian Premier League 2026 season.
The incident, which was captured on live television, quickly went viral and has drawn scrutiny from cricket authorities and fans alike.
Vaping Incident Sparks Controversy
The 24-year-old cricketer was reportedly seen using an e-cigarette in the dressing room during Rajasthan Royals’ match against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh. The visuals spread rapidly across social media, raising concerns over compliance with both cricketing regulations and national laws.
India has enforced a strict ban on e-cigarettes since 2019, prohibiting their manufacture, sale, import, and usage. The public nature of the act has intensified calls for accountability.
Possible Disciplinary Action by BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to review the matter. According to reports, Parag could face penalties for breaching league conduct rules and setting a poor example for fans.
Under Indian law, violations related to e-cigarettes can attract fines of up to ₹5 lakh and possible imprisonment. Additionally, IPL’s internal code of conduct may impose separate sanctions.
Performance Overshadowed by Controversy
Despite the controversy, Parag contributed 29 runs in the match, helping Rajasthan Royals secure a win over Punjab Kings. However, his overall performance this season has been underwhelming, with just 117 runs in nine matches at an average of 14.62.
The incident has overshadowed both his performance and the team’s success in the match.
IPL’s Strict Code of Conduct
The IPL has previously taken disciplinary action against players and team officials for breaches of protocol. Recently, Rajasthan Royals’ team manager was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match, indicating the league’s strict enforcement of rules.
The vaping incident could lead to further tightening of regulations and monitoring within team environments.
As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the focus now shifts to the BCCI’s response. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how off-field conduct is handled in Indian cricket, especially when it intersects with national laws.
