Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag was captured on a live broadcast seemingly using a vaping device in the dressing room during his team’s IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 28).
The moment was spotted during the 16th over of RR’s successful 223-run chase. After being dismissed for 29 off 16 balls, Parag was seen on camera inhaling from an electronic device and exhaling smoke while seated with teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel.
While the BCCI and tournament authorities have not yet issued an official statement, Parag faces scrutiny on two fronts -- IPL Disciplinary Protocols and Legal Regulations.
IPL regulations strictly prohibit smoking and the use of tobacco-related products in dressing rooms and stadium premises, except in designated zones.
As for the legal regulations, electronic cigarettes and vapes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. This act prohibits the production, sale, and use of such devices, with violations carrying potential fines or imprisonment.
Under Indian law, the offender faces up to one year of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for a first-time offence.
“A lot of players consume e-cigarettes but they don’t do it in the dressing room. It is too risky and careless to be doing that with so many cameras around. With Parag caught vaping so openly, the BCCI might be forced to act," PTI quoted a well-placed IPL source as saying.
As per the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, “no person shall, directly or indirectly, (i) produce or manufacture or import or export or transport or sell or distribute electronic cigarettes, whether as a complete product or any part thereof; and(ii) advertise electronic cigarettes or take part in any advertisement that directly or indirectly promotes the use of electronic cigarettes.
“…no person, being the owner or occupier or having the control or use of any place shall, knowingly permit it to be used for storage of any stock of electronic cigarettes."
This incident adds to a series of disciplinary issues for the Rajasthan Royals this season. Their team manager, Romi Bhinder, was recently fined Rs 1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
(With PTI Inputs)
