A video of Riyan Parag allegedly vaping during the RR vs PBKS IPL 2026 match has gone viral, sparking debate among fans.
Riyan Parag sparks controversy after alleged vaping caught on camera in IPL clash (PC: X)
Riyan Parag has found himself at the centre of controversy after a viral clip appeared to show him vaping inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room during their clash against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Tuesday.
The moment surfaced in the 16th over of the chase, when the broadcast briefly cut to Parag, seemingly holding a vape, shortly after his dismissal for 29 off 16 balls. The footage spread rapidly across social media, triggering widespread debate and calls for disciplinary action.
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Riyan Parag smoking Vape in the dressing room during Punjab vs Rajasthan Match Yesterday 😨 pic.twitter.com/vXDdcLJG2Q
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— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) April 29, 2026
While there is no explicitly stated public rule on vaping, the Board of Control for Cricket in India enforces strict conduct guidelines within stadium premises. The use of tobacco or similar products in dressing rooms and dugouts is generally prohibited under health and safety protocols, potentially putting Parag under the scanner.
The controversy comes at a challenging time for the 24-year-old, who is leading RR this season following Sanju Samson’s move to the Chennai Super Kings. Parag has struggled for consistency, managing just 81 runs in seven innings prior to this game, drawing criticism from fans and experts alike.
Despite the off-field noise, RR pulled off a successful chase of 223, sealing a six-wicket win and handing PBKS their first defeat of the season.
Notably, this is not the first instance of a breach within the RR setup this season. Team manager Romi Bhinder was earlier fined ₹1 lakh and issued a warning for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) had subsequently issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder, seeking a response within 48 hours, highlighting the board’s strict stance on conduct within restricted areas.
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