Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag is facing fresh attention after a video surfaced showing him vaping inside the dressing-room during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday. The incident reportedly took place during the 16th over of RR’s successful chase of 223, with Parag seen using an e-cigarette in the presence of team-mates Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak and Kuldeep Sen.
Vaping ban, legal backdrop and IPL conduct rules
Within IPL venues, vaping and smoking are considered strictly off-limits in the stadium environment except in clearly designated areas, in line with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) standards. While the league’s on-ground rules treat smoking-related products as prohibited, e-cigarettes also carry a more serious legal dimension in India.
India outlawed vapes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. The legislation bars the manufacture, sale, purchase, import, export and promotion of e-cigarettes across the country. Non-compliance can attract jail time of up to six months, substantial penalties, or both.
Even without a widely publicised “vaping” line in every stadium policy document, the BCCI’s expectations around player conduct inside team areas remain stringent. Health and safety protocols generally restrict use of tobacco-linked products in dressing rooms and dugouts, which means Parag could be exposed to disciplinary action if the incident is formally pursued.
Context for Parag’s season and RR’s chase
The controversy comes at a time when Parag’s IPL form has already been questioned. The 24-year-old is now leading the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 campaign after Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings. Parag has struggled to maintain batting consistency, managing just 81 runs across seven innings prior to this game—an output that has drawn criticism from sections of fans and former players.
Despite the off-field distraction, Rajasthan Royals steadied the chase and finished at 222, winning by six wickets and handing Punjab Kings their first defeat of the season.
Earlier disciplinary action involving Royals staff
Rajasthan Royals were also linked with a separate disciplinary matter earlier in the season. Their team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and issued an official warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during the IPL 2026 contest against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10.
ACSU show-cause notice
- The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI initiated action over the alleged use of a device during the match involving Bhinder.
- Bhinder received a show-cause notice requiring an explanation for his conduct.
- The ACSU asked for his response within the next 48 hours.
