IPL 2026: Riyan Parag found himself under intense surveillance after a video clip appearing to show him vaping inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room spread rapidly online during their clash against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026 season at New Chandigarh on Tuesday. The moment unfolded in the 16th over of the second innings when the broadcast briefly cut to Parag holding what seemed to be a vape device. Within minutes, the clip was circulating widely across social platforms, triggering concern among fans and sparking calls for potential action.
Riyan Parag was seen vaping
The timing added to the attention, as the incident came shortly after Parag’s dismissal. He had scored a brisk 29 off 16 balls but couldn’t carry on at a crucial stage of the chase. As the footage continues to make the rounds online, discussions have now shifted towards whether any disciplinary steps might follow.
BCCI Code of Conduct
Board Cricket Control of India has no guidelines for the public to vape. But they have a strong command over cricketers not to do such activities on the ground during matches or practice. The use of any product related to tobacco is totally banned in the ground and dressing room for health purposes and according to protocol. But this act of Riyan Parag can lead to a violation of the rules.
Parag’s performance in this season
The latest controversy comes at a tricky phase for Riyan Parag, who has been leading the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 season following Sanju Samson’s move to the Chennai Super Kings. With the added responsibility, Parag has found it difficult to maintain rhythm with the bat, managing just 81 runs across seven innings before this game, a return that has drawn sharp reactions from fans as well as former cricketers.
Amid the noise off the field, Rajasthan Royals delivered a strong performance on it, chasing down a daunting 222 with six wickets to spare against Punjab Kings, handing them their first defeat of the season.
Riyan Parag could get punished
This isn’t the first time the Royals camp has been under scrutiny this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and issued an official warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during their Indian Premier League 2026 fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10.
