Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has landed in a fresh controversy after a video clip—allegedly showing him using a vape-like device—circulated following the franchise’s match against Punjab Kings at the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium. The footage, captured during the live game in the dressing-room area, quickly spread across social media and sparked debate over both discipline and the legal status of such nicotine products in India.
Quick facts
- Riyan Parag’s alleged incident reportedly happened on April 28 during the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings match at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium.
- The clip showed Parag using a device described as vape-like while he was seated in the dressing room during the match.
- A women’s group called Mothers Against Vaping has demanded an inquiry into the visuals and the use of the product.
- The group cited the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, saying vaping-related items are banned in India.
- The group also said possession of e-cigarettes in any form or quantity violates the law and can lead to imprisonment and/or fines.
On Thursday, Mothers Against Vaping urged that the matter be investigated thoroughly. The collective questioned whether the device should have been used at all, and pushed for clarity on what the footage truly depicts. Its concern extends beyond cricket conduct, arguing that such images can influence young audiences and shape public normalisation of banned nicotine products.
What the group is alleging
The incident dates back to April 28, when Rajasthan Royals played Punjab Kings. A camera captured Parag using what was described as a vape-like device while he was in the dressing room during the match, and the resulting visuals drew rapid online attention. The group said the ease with which the scene appeared on national broadcast raised serious questions about accountability.
Pointing to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, the collective stressed that electronic cigarettes are prohibited in India. It cited a broad ban covering production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of such products. The group also dismissed claims that vaping indoors exists in a “grey zone,” calling those arguments misinformation.
It further referenced an clarification from the Union Health Ministry that holding e-cigarettes in any form or quantity is a violation. The group noted that the law sets out penalties that may include imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine up to Rs 50,000 for certain violations, while contravention of the broader prohibition can bring imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine up to Rs 1 lakh, with harsher consequences for repeat offences.
“In India, the law must stand above all else. Whether one is a celebrity or a common citizen, the same rules must apply,” the spokesperson said. The group argued that public figures should not be permitted to mock or undermine a product category that has already been banned for reasons of public health.
According to Mothers Against Vaping, the presence of a vape-like device alongside a high-profile cricketer on television can send the wrong message to millions of young viewers. It suggested that multinational tobacco interests may be trying to keep vapes in public discussion despite the ban, and it raised the question of whether the controversy could have functioned as unintentional publicity for prohibited substances.
The group said it is seeking an investigation into what happened and why it happened. It also maintained that if Parag did not have any improper intent, he should still come forward to clarify his position and cooperate with due process.
“He should voluntarily submit to due process. No celebrity can claim a different standard from the one applied to ordinary citizens,” the collective added. The message was that the same expectations of responsible conduct and legal compliance should apply regardless of fame or status.
Calls for enforcement in cricket
Mothers Against Vaping further argued that Indian cricket cannot afford behaviour that helps “normalise a banned product before young viewers.” It said the board must establish the facts, enforce accountability, and ensure the outcome sends a clear signal that the law—and the health of children—comes first.
The collective reiterated that vaping is not harmless, describing it as potentially acting as a gateway device for adolescents. In its view, strict enforcement and careful public conduct are essential, especially when celebrities are placed under the spotlight.
“Our children do not just watch celebrities; they copy them. That is why this matter must be treated with seriousness, not casually dismissed as a momentary lapse,” the group said, urging that the incident not be brushed aside.
