Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Faces Scrutiny Over Vaping Incident

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is in the spotlight after being caught vaping in the dressing room during an IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings. Despite leading his team to a significant victory, the incident has raised concerns about player conduct. The BCCI is set to investigate the matter, seeking Parag's explanation before deciding on any disciplinary action. This controversy comes at a challenging time for Parag, who has struggled with his performance this season. The situation has sparked widespread discussion on social media, overshadowing the Royals' success in the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 30, 2026, 00:05 IST

Vaping Controversy Overshadows Match Victory

In a recent IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals' captain Riyan Parag found himself in hot water after being caught vaping in the players' dressing room. The incident occurred during a crucial game where the Royals achieved a significant victory, but Parag's actions have sparked considerable backlash. Footage of him using a vape device circulated widely on social media, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to acknowledge the situation.

During the match held at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Parag was seen vaping after being dismissed for 29 runs off 16 balls, while the Royals were chasing a daunting target of 223. Despite the team's successful chase, which concluded with a six-wicket win, the focus quickly shifted to the controversy surrounding Parag's behavior.

BCCI to Investigate the Incident

The BCCI has announced that they will seek an explanation from Parag regarding the vaping incident, as it violates league regulations. A BCCI official stated, "We will be seeking an explanation from Riyan on this issue, as vaping is not allowed. Depending on his explanation, the IPL will take further course of action." No formal punishment has been issued yet, and the board plans to review Parag's response before deciding on any disciplinary measures.

This incident comes at a challenging time for the 24-year-old cricketer, who has struggled with his form this season, accumulating only 117 runs in nine matches with an average below 15. While the Royals celebrated a significant win, Parag's performance and the team's success have been overshadowed by the viral video.

Additionally, this is not the first time the Rajasthan Royals have faced scrutiny this season. Earlier, team manager Ravinder 'Romi' Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, highlighting ongoing concerns about player conduct within the franchise.