Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Faces Controversy Over Vaping Incident
Viral Video Sparks Debate
Riyan Parag, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, has once again made headlines due to an off-field incident during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings. A video that has gone viral on social media shows Parag seemingly vaping in the dressing room during the live broadcast. This moment was captured in the 16th over as RR pursued a target of 223 runs in Mullanpur. Fans quickly took to the internet to discuss the incident, which has gained significant attention, especially given Parag's recent struggles with both his batting and leadership.
Understanding IPL Regulations
What Does IPL Regulation State?
According to IPL's disciplinary guidelines, smoking is prohibited within stadiums and dressing rooms, except in designated areas. Additionally, the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes in India, imposing penalties and potential jail time for violations. This context has intensified the scrutiny surrounding the video. Although Parag's individual performance was not stellar, Rajasthan Royals secured a six-wicket victory, handing Punjab Kings their first defeat of the season. Parag contributed 29 runs off 16 balls, while Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey led the chase. His overall performance this season has been underwhelming, with just 117 runs at a strike rate of 124.47 and an average of 14.63 across nine matches, adding pressure to his captaincy.
Potential Consequences for Parag
Will There Be An Action Against Parag?
As of now, the IPL has not released an official statement regarding the video or any potential misconduct. However, this incident has sparked discussions about possible disciplinary measures. The league has a history of enforcing strict regulations regarding player behavior in the dressing room. Earlier this season, RR's manager, Romi Bhinder, faced a fine for using a phone in the dugout during a match. Recently, other off-field videos, including one featuring Kagiso Rabada, have also gone viral. While each case is unique, the league typically acts when rules are breached. If the video is deemed a violation of IPL's code of conduct, Parag could face fines or further disciplinary actions. For now, the focus remains on whether the league will officially address the situation. This incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding RR, especially after another controversy involving young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was seen next to Bhinder while he was using his phone in the dugout.