Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag has found himself at the centre of a controversy after a video allegedly showed him vaping in the dressing room during RR’s clash with Punjab Kings at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium. The clip spread rapidly online, prompting fresh discussion around player discipline and whether vape devices fall under India’s legal restrictions. Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary also weighed in with a cautionary message for younger cricketers, stressing that conduct on and off the field must be carefully managed during major tournaments.
What happened and why it drew attention
- The incident was reportedly noticed during the 16th over of Rajasthan Royals’ chase.
- Broadcast cameras reportedly shifted to the dressing room and briefly captured Parag seated alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak and Kuldeep Sen, with Parag appearing to handle a vape device.
- The footage circulated widely, leading to debate over both the discipline expected from players and the legality of vaping under Indian law.
Speaking in a firm tone, Chaudhary said he could not comment in detail on the legal framework, but pointed out that government rules and other regulations do exist. He added that players should remember they can be caught by cameras in places where they might assume they are out of view, and urged young cricketers to remain mindful because such moments can be recorded beyond just the field of play. He also felt that televised discussion should ideally focus on cricket rather than distractions.
Chaudhary stated that while he does not know the legal intricacies, players must understand that regulations are in place and that cameras can capture them anywhere. He emphasised that these are young players who may not fully realise how quickly such clips can surface, and he argued that it is better for television coverage to highlight the match and its key moments instead of side issues.
Legal and disciplinary backdrop
Under Indian law, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019. The legislation restricts multiple stages of the e-cigarette ecosystem, including production, sale, purchase, import, export and even advertisement of e-cigarettes and vape devices. The act also prescribes serious penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines for violations.
There may not be a widely publicised, cricket-specific regulation that calls out vaping by name, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India maintains strict conduct expectations for players while they are within stadium areas. In addition, health and safety protocols commonly restrict tobacco or comparable products in sensitive team zones such as dressing rooms or dugouts. That means Parag could potentially face disciplinary scrutiny depending on how the league and its relevant match-day rules interpret the incident.
RR’s chase: the match result despite the off-field buzz
While the controversy continued to gather attention, Rajasthan Royals still delivered a high-stakes performance. RR went on to record a thrilling six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, completing the chase after building momentum at key stages and finishing with a strong push under pressure. Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey played pivotal roles, stitching together an unbeaten 77-run stand off 32 balls to help their team cross the line. Dubey then sealed the chase in 19.2 overs, handing PBKS their first defeat.
- Rajasthan’s target chase was launched by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who struck 43 off 16 balls.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal supported with a rapid 51 off 27, helping set a platform for a chase-driven finish.
- Yuzvendra Chahal struck three wickets, briefly tilting momentum back towards Punjab Kings.
- Ferreira and Dubey steadied the innings and accelerated again, finishing the job strongly to secure victory.
Punjab Kings’ innings and why the total proved vulnerable
Earlier in the match, Punjab Kings posted 222/4, setting a demanding total for Rajasthan Royals. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with 62 off 22 not out, while Prabhsimran Singh contributed 59. However, even with a solid foundation and strong batting, PBKS’s bowling attack could not hold its nerve in the death overs, allowing RR to chase successfully.
The win ensured Rajasthan Royals remained on track in the tournament context, even as the Parag vaping episode sparked a separate debate about player behaviour and compliance expectations during IPL events.
