IPL 2026: From Riyan Parag to AB de Villiers - cricketers seen vaping on camera
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is in hot water after visuals of him vaping in the dressing room during an IPL 2026 match went viral. This incident raises serious concerns as vaping is banned in India. It adds to a string of player conduct controversies in the league.
The league faces renewed scrutiny over player behavior and rule enforcement.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after visuals of him allegedly vaping inside the dressing room during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings went viral on social media. — diablo_kells (@diablo_kells) The incident occurred during the 16th over of Rajasthan’s run chase, when Parag was seen casually vaping while seated alongside teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The footage, captured during the live broadcast, quickly spread online and sparked widespread debate.
The act has raised serious concerns, particularly because smoking is strictly prohibited inside dressing rooms and stadium premises, except in designated areas. More importantly, e-cigarettes and vapes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, which prohibits their production, sale, purchase, and use. Violations can attract penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
This is not the first time Rajasthan Royals have been embroiled in controversy this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was warned and fined after being caught using a phone in the dugout, in violation of PMOA protocol. Parag’s case also adds to a growing list of cricketers who have been caught in similar situations over the years.