BCCI Faces Fresh Headache as Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Caught Allegedly Vaping in IPL Dugout
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has triggered a major controversy after live broadcast visuals allegedly showed him vaping in the dressing room during an IPL 2026 match against the Punjab Kings. The footage quickly went viral across social media platforms, prompting immediate scrutiny regarding player conduct and strict anti-tobacco legislation in India.
The Incident and PMOA Protocol Violations
The incident occurred during the 16th over of the Rajasthan Royals’ run chase. Broadcast cameras cut to the dressing room, capturing Parag allegedly using an e-cigarette while seated next to teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Using tobacco products or e-cigarettes in the Player and Match Official Area (PMOA) directly violates strict anti-corruption and conduct protocols established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
E-cigarettes are illegal across India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare enacted the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) in 2019, which explicitly bans the production, sale, purchase, and use of vaping devices. Violations of this federal law carry penalties ranging from heavy fines to potential imprisonment. If formal authorities pursue the matter, Parag could face legal action alongside standard BCCI disciplinary measures.
Rajasthan Royals’ Continued Disciplinary Issues
This marks the second PMOA protocol breach for the Rajasthan Royals franchise recently. Earlier in the season, team manager Romi Bhinder received an official warning and a fine after being caught using a mobile phone in the dugout, an act strictly prohibited by standard match integrity guidelines.
History of Smoking and Vaping in Professional Cricket
While modern cricket enforces rigid broadcast and stadium regulations, Parag is not the first high-profile cricketer caught smoking or vaping during televised international or franchise matches.
| Player | Team/Tournament | Incident Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Finch | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL 2020) | Caught exhaling vapor in the dressing room during a live broadcast against Rajasthan Royals. |
| AB de Villiers | SA20 League | Filmed vaping in the VIP stands; appeared visibly startled when shown on the stadium big screen. |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand (2015 ICC World Cup) | Admitted to smoking in the washroom during the semi-final match against South Africa. |
| Ben Stokes | England (2019 ICC World Cup) | Smoked a cigarette in the Lord’s washroom ahead of the Super Over in the final. |
| Kagiso Rabada | IPL | Spotted allegedly smoking a cigarette on a team hotel balcony, which fell outside direct stadium jurisdiction. |
Potential Disciplinary Action
The IPL governing council typically issues immediate fines for code of conduct breaches, frequently docking a set percentage of a player’s match fee. Because Parag’s alleged action involves a device specifically banned under Indian federal law, the BCCI disciplinary committee is expected to review the broadcast footage closely before issuing an official ruling. Fans and sports analysts await official statements from both the Rajasthan Royals management and tournament officials.
For official documentation on global player conduct regulations, consult the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines.