New Delhi: More than half of the matches in the 19th season of the Indian Premier League have now been played. Everyone is incredibly excited about this league, a tournament where records are frequently set—and just as frequently broken. Amidst the ongoing IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was caught on camera engaging in a controversial act.
key highlights
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A formal warning or severe fine.
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A multi-match ban for bringing the game into disrepute.
Legal action by local authorities under the PECA 2019 regulations.
During the match against the Punjab Kings, Riyan Parag was spotted in the dressing room vaping—that is, smoking an e-cigarette. This incident was captured by the cameras, and the resulting video has since gone viral on social media. The incident has garnered even more headlines than the Rajasthan Royals team’s performance itself. Consequently, the question now arises: will disciplinary action be taken against him?
Parag Caught Vaping During the Match
This incident occurred during the 16th over of the Rajasthan Royals’ innings, when a cameraman focused on Parag. However, the footage revealed that he was in the act of vaping. The video clip is currently spreading like wildfire across social media platforms. At the time, Parag was seated alongside his teammates, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
His 15-year-old teammate is more mature.. #riyanparag is captain of a #IPL franchise and doesn't know or cares about the rules. pic.twitter.com/JXTnglwgAV
— Jatin Sharma (@jatincricket) April 28, 2026
This incident has surfaced at a time when the Rajasthan Royals team was already under scrutiny for a previous rule violation. Surprisingly, their team manager had previously breached the IPL’s ‘Dugout Protocol’ by using a mobile phone while in the dugout. That incident, too, was captured on camera during the live broadcast; following a thorough investigation, the BCCI issued a warning to Romi Bhinder and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on him.
Vaping Incident Deemed a Serious Matter
Now, the incident involving Riyan Parag’s vaping is being viewed as an even more serious matter. The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are likely to launch an investigation into the issue. In India, vaping devices are considered illegal under the *Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019*.
Violations of these regulations carry provisions for fines ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹5 lakh. Not only that, but there is also a provision for a sentence ranging from six months to three years. According to reports, Parag could face a warning, a fine, or even a ban.
