New Chandigarh: Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag found himself at the centre of fresh controversy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after videos surfaced showing him vaping inside the team dressing room during Tuesday’s match against Punjab Kings.
The incident unfolded in the 16th over of the second innings when a broadcast camera briefly captured Parag holding what appeared to be a vape device. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention from fans and prompting questions about potential disciplinary action.
Parag had just been dismissed for 29 runs off 16 balls at a crucial juncture of the run chase when the clip was recorded. The visuals went viral, with several users on X (formerly Twitter) expressing disappointment and calling for strict measures from the authorities.
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While there is no explicit public prohibition on vaping mentioned in IPL guidelines, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintains stringent rules on player conduct within stadium premises. Health and safety protocols generally prohibit the use of tobacco or related products in dressing rooms and dugouts, which could leave Parag vulnerable to sanctions.
This latest episode adds to the pressure on the 24-year-old, who has taken over the Rajasthan Royals captaincy this season following Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings. Parag has faced criticism for inconsistent batting performances, having managed just 81 runs across seven innings prior to this match.
Despite the off-field distraction, Rajasthan Royals went on to chase down the target of 222 with six wickets in hand, securing victory and inflicting Punjab Kings’ first defeat of the season.
The development comes shortly after another incident involving the franchise. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was earlier fined Rs 1 lakh and issued an official warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during an IPL 2026 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on April 10. The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI has since sent Bhinder a show-cause notice seeking his response within 48 hours.
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