Riyan Parag Caught Vaping on Camera During IPL Game, Fans Demand Action 

Riyan Parag’s season has been underwhelming, having scored only 117 runs across nine appearances at a modest 14.63 average so far.

Riyan Parag Caught Vaping on Camera During IPL Game, Fans Demand Action 

Riyan Parag was caught vaping inside the RR dressing room, during match against PBKS. (via X)

In Short
  • Riyan Parag was caught vaping in the Rajasthan Royals' dressing room during an IPL match, sparking backlash from fans.
  • Vaping is illegal in India and violates IPL rules, putting Parag at risk of legal action and penalties.
  • Fans are calling for Parag to be removed from captaincy due to his actions, which contradict team safety claims.

Just as he settled as a leader in the IPL, Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Riyan Parag now finds himself under the scanner for vaping in the dressing room. The sighting of Parag using an e-cigarette has resulted in social media backlash directed at the player.

Rajasthan Royals became the first team in IPL 2026 to defeat Punjab Kings, whose seven-match winning streak came to an end. Batting first, PBKS raced to 222/4 with the help of half-centuries from Marcus Stoinis (62 off 22) and Prabhsimran Singh (59 off 44).

Rajasthan, however, chased down the 223-run target in 19.2 overs, with six wickets in hand. For RR, contributions came from Donovan Ferreira (52 off 26), Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 27), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (43 off 16), and Shubham Dubey (31 off 12). 

While the outcome brought RR close to guaranteeing a spot in the playoffs, a fresh new controversy has caused concern within their camp. Skipper Riyan Parag, who scored a brisk 29 runs during the chase, was captured vaping inside the team’s dressing room. During the 16th over of the team’s chase, Parag was seen exhaling a cloud of vapor after using an e-cigarette on the live broadcasting camera. 

It is the second such dressing room controversy that the Jaipur-based franchise has faced in the IPL this summer. Previously, RR’s team manager, Romi Bhinder, was penalized for breaching IPL rules by using a mobile phone in the dugout. This time however, the controversy involves a player, and that too skipper Riyan Parag, who has already been under fire for his poor form, despite the team’s success.

His off-field conduct has now captured headlines, with fans pointing out that smoking an e-cigarette is a violation of both IPL rules and Indian laws. Vaping is illegal under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019.

While the act focuses mainly on production and sales, Parag’s use of an e-cigarette in a public setting is considered illegal storage. Consequently, the RR captain is now at the risk of facing legal action, with penalties including up to one year of imprisonment and fines of up to INR 1 lakh.

Parag might also be held back for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct, given that smoking is an activity strictly prohibited inside the dressing rooms. The use of any restricted substance in the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) is viewed as damaging to the league’s integrity.  

Riyan Parag’s off-field conduct angers fans after vaping incident during RR-PBKS clash

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag finds himself in muddy waters after he was caught vaping in the dressing room during his team’s six-wicket win over Punjab Kings. Parag’s actions have angered fans, who suggested that the 24-year-old be removed from captaincy. 

Riyan Parag criticized by fans
Riyan Parag was slammed by fans for vaping the RR dressing room, which even includes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (via X)

Given that players and officials are not allowed to even carry electronic smoking devices inside the stadium, it has left fans wondering how Parag managed to sneak it in. Moreover, the all-rounder’s actions are in clear violation of the PECA Act. Fans also argued that his behavior conflicts with the safe space claims that RR made, especially with the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the team. 

Social media users and fans criticized the young RR captain for his lack of situational awareness, with some of them deeming it ‘careless’. One fan even claimed that Parag lacks the necessary discipline required in an IPL player and that the vaping incident does not make him look ‘cool’. Others urged for stringent measures against the Assam-born cricketer, including sanctions and a lengthy ban.

There has been no official communication about an investigation, but the IPL Governing Council is expected to look into it. Should Riyan Parag be found guilty, he could be fined 100 percent of the match fee along with a 2-3 match ban, in order to set a serious precedent.

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