Riyan Parag Vaping Controversy: Will BCCI Penalise the Rajasthan Royals Captain?
Following a viral video showing Riyan Parag using a vape in the dressing room during the PBKS vs RR match, we examine potential BCCI disciplinary actions and IPL code of conduct violations.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly reviewing footage from Tuesday’s IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) after a viral video appeared to show RR captain Riyan Parag using a vape device in the dressing room. The incident occurred during the Rajasthan Royals' chase at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. As Rajasthan Royals were navigating a steep 223-run chase, live broadcast cameras briefly panned to the dressing room, capturing the 24-year-old exhaling a cloud of vapour before moving the device out of sight. Riyan Parag Caught Smoking Vape in Dressing Room During PBKS vs RR IPL 2026 Match, Video Goes Viral.
Potential Code of Conduct Violations
While the IPL Governing Council has yet to issue a formal statement, sports law experts suggest the act could constitute a multi-layered breach of regulations. The BCCI maintains a strict anti-tobacco policy that prohibits smoking or the use of electronic cigarettes within stadium premises, including dugouts and dressing rooms.
Riyan Parag Caught Vaping
Beyond internal sporting regulations, the incident carries legal weight. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, the production, sale, and use of vapes are banned in India. If the BCCI chooses to treat this as a disciplinary matter, Parag could face a range of penalties, from a substantial match-fee fine to a multi-match suspension for bringing the game into disrepute.
Precedent for Disciplinary Action
The Rajasthan Royals management is already under scrutiny this season regarding off-field conduct. Earlier in April, the team’s manager, Romi Bhinder, was fined INR 1 lakh and issued an official warning for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rajasthan Royals Team Manager Romi Bhinder Caught Using Mobile In Dugout During RR vs RCB IPL Match (See Pic).
Given this recent history, the league’s authorities may be inclined to take a firmer stance to maintain professional standards. Observers note that as captain, Parag is expected to set a standard for younger players, making the visual of him vaping on national television particularly problematic for the franchise’s image.
Struggles on and off the Pitch
The controversy adds further pressure to Parag’s captaincy. Entrusted with the leadership following Sanju Samson’s high-profile move to Chennai Super Kings, Parag has struggled to find his rhythm with the bat.
In the match against Punjab, he contributed a brisk 29 off 16 balls but was dismissed shortly before the cameras caught the controversial moment. Despite his personal struggles and the brewing "VapeGate," Rajasthan managed to secure a 6-wicket win, ending Punjab's unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Current Status of Investigation
As of Wednesday afternoon, no official "show-cause" notice has been publicly confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia or the IPL Commissioner. However, sources within the board indicate that the match referee’s report is being reviewed.
Rajasthan Royals have also remained silent on the matter, though a spokesperson is expected to address the media ahead of the team’s next fixture. For now, the focus remains split between the Royals' climb to third in the points table and the potential disciplinary shadow hanging over their captain.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2026 11:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).