 captain Riyan Parag was allegedly caught vaping on live television.){kind=link}
A major controversy has hit IPL 2026 after Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag was allegedly caught vaping on live television. The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a high-stakes clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. While the Royals secured a thrilling six-wicket victory to hand PBKS their first loss of the season, the win has been completely overshadowed by the viral footage of the skipper’s conduct.
The Incident: Caught on Camera
The visuals surfaced during the 16th over of Rajasthan Royals’ chase of 223. As the cameras panned toward the visitors’ dressing room, Parag was spotted taking a puff from what appeared to be an electronic vaping device. The 24-year-old, who had just been dismissed for a modest 29 off 16 balls, was seen seated alongside teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel when the moment was broadcast to millions of viewers. The clip immediately ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans labeling the behavior “unprofessional” and “irresponsible” for a team leader.
Legal and Disciplinary Heat
The controversy carries weight beyond mere optics due to India’s stringent tobacco laws. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, the production, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes are strictly banned nationwide.
- BCCI Regulations: The BCCI maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in dressing rooms and dugouts.
- Potential Sanctions: As the captain, Parag faces intensified scrutiny. The IPL Governing Council is expected to review the broadcast footage. If found in breach of the Code of Conduct, Parag could face a heavy match fee fine or a potential suspension.
A Season of Pressure for the RR Captain
This off-field drama comes at a difficult time for Parag, whose form has been under the scanner throughout the 2026 campaign. In 9 matches, he has managed only 117 runs at an average of 14.63, a stark contrast to the explosive form shown by his young teammate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. While the Royals sit comfortably in the top three of the points table, the lack of individual runs and this latest lapse in discipline have put Parag’s captaincy under the ultimate test. Neither the Rajasthan Royals management nor the BCCI has issued a formal statement as of Wednesday morning.