Riyan Parag's Vaping Incident Sparks Controversy During IPL 2026 Match
Rajasthan Royals Secure Victory Amid Controversy
Riyan Parag, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), found himself at the center of a controversy after being spotted vaping during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on April 28.
The Royals achieved their sixth win of the season, defeating PBKS by six wickets, thus ending the latter's six-match winning streak. Chasing a target of 223 runs, RR successfully completed the chase with four balls remaining. A crucial partnership of 72 runs between Donovan Ferreira (52) and Shubham Dubey (31) secured the thrilling win for the team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed significantly with a score of 51, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a quick 43 runs off just 16 balls, setting a solid foundation for the chase.
Parag Caught Vaping in the Dressing Room
While RR celebrated their victory, a controversy erupted as Riyan Parag was filmed vaping in the dressing room during the match. A video that circulated widely on social media showed him using an electronic vaping device while seated with teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel.
Despite attempting to be discreet, the moment was captured on camera and quickly gained traction on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter).
"Mann did anyone of you notice this? Parag was caught vaping during the match between RR and PBKS"
Previous Breach and Internal Review Expected
This incident follows a previous breach by the Rajasthan Royals, where their manager, Romi Bhinder, was fined INR 1 lakh for using a phone in the dugout, violating IPL regulations. Now, Riyan Parag's vaping incident is likely to prompt an internal review of the team's conduct in the dressing room.
The franchise is expected to address this matter internally to ensure compliance with team protocols.
Social Media Reaction to Vaping Incident
Riyan Parag's vaping incident has ignited a significant reaction on social media, particularly on X, where fans and cricket enthusiasts expressed their concerns about the presence of vaping devices in a professional sports environment.
Many questioned the standards of leadership and discipline within the team, especially given the established protocols aimed at minimizing distractions during matches.
"DISGRACEFUL LEADERSHIP: RIYAN PARAG EXPOSED Is this how an IPL captain behaves?"
Potential Disciplinary Action from BCCI
Riyan Parag is likely to face disciplinary measures from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL committee due to his violation of stadium regulations. The IPL rules explicitly prohibit smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes, in dressing rooms and dugouts.
Given that vaping is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, which imposes fines and potential imprisonment for violations, the consequences for Parag could be severe. He may receive a formal warning, a fine, or even a match ban as the governing bodies review the incident.