Riyan Parag Caught Vaping in IPL Dressing Room

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag vaping controversy erupts during Punjab Kings match, reigniting e-cig ban debate amid past star cricketer incidents.

Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, is facing backlash after a video captured him allegedly vaping an e-cigarette in the dressing room during Tuesday's IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in Jaipur. The clip, from the 16th over of RR's batting innings, shows Parag in the presence of teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. It quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism for flouting India's e-cigarette ban.

Viral Clip Sparks Outrage

The footage aired briefly on live broadcast before cutting away, but not before social media users shared it widely. Fans and former players called it a poor example from a team leader. "This isn't just about rules—it's about setting standards for young fans," one ex-cricketer posted online. The incident comes just days after RR manager Romi Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone in the dressing room near young prospect Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

E-Cigs Banned Since 2019

India outlawed the production, sale, import, and advertising of e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. Violations carry jail time and hefty fines. Officials note vaping poses serious health risks, especially for athletes, with unknown chemicals in devices lacking safety clearance. Parag's public use in a high-profile setting has amplified calls for stricter enforcement in sports.

BCCI Seeks Response

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has been approached for comment, sources familiar with the matter said. The board is expected to demand explanations from Parag and the franchise soon. "They take player conduct seriously, particularly with laws involved," a senior official remarked. IPL guidelines already prohibit such items in team areas, and penalties could range from fines to suspension.

Past Stars in Similar Spots

This isn't the first time IPL cameras have caught top players. Back in 2020, ex-Australia captain Aaron Finch was spotted vaping during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's clash with Rajasthan Royals. The clip showed him exhaling smoke mid-over before the feed switched back to action, sparking a brief storm online.

De Villiers' SA20 Moment

AB de Villiers faced heat more recently in South Africa's SA20 league. Sitting in the VIP stands, the former South Africa star was filmed vaping, with the image flashing on the stadium big screen. Social media buzzed, though he brushed it off lightly.

Smoking Rows Beyond Vapes

Traditional smoking incidents have also rocked cricket. Brendon McCullum once admitted puffing cigarettes in a stadium toilet during New Zealand's 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final against South Africa. England's Ben Stokes drew ire for lighting up in Lord's washroom ahead of the 2019 World Cup final versus New Zealand.

Rabada's Hotel Balcony Clip

Gujarat Titans' Kagiso Rabada hit headlines earlier when a video surfaced of him smoking a cigarette from a hotel balcony during IPL. Unlike others, it wasn't inside stadium premises, but it still fueled debates on player discipline.

The Parag episode underscores ongoing tensions between personal habits and public scrutiny in elite cricket. With IPL 2026 in full swing, eyes are on BCCI's next move—fines, warnings, or tougher measures. Franchises may tighten dressing room protocols amid rising fan expectations. For now, Parag continues to lead RR, but the cloud lingers.