Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag found himself in the limelight once again, this time for an off-field moment during his team’s match against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. A live clip, now widely shared on social media, shows the RR captain using a vape in the dressing room.
The incident was captured during the 16th over RR chase 223 at Mullanpur on 28 April. Fans quickly picked up on the moment and turned it into a viral online conversation.
PBKS vs RR, IPL 2026: MAIN DATA | SCORECARD
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The timing adds to the attention. Parag has already been under scrutiny this season for both his captaincy and form with the bat, adding another layer to an already closely watched campaign.
WHAT DID RIYAN PARAG DO?
The viral clip shows Parag in the RR dressing room during the second innings, seemingly using a vape while the match was going on. The visuals were picked up during the broadcast and circulated widely on social platforms.
According to the IPL dscipinary rules, smoking is prohibited in the changing rooms and stadium areas except in designated areas. The clip also raised eyebrows because e-cigarettes, or vapes, are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, which bans their manufacture, sale, purchase and use, with fines and even jail time for violations.
While RR secured a six-wicket victory and handed PBKS their first defeat of the season, Parag’s own outing was modest. He scored 29 off 16 balls, a short contribution in the chase that was eventually ended by Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey.
Paragu’s overall numbers this season have been staggering. He scored 117 runs in 9 matches at an average of 14.63 and a strike rate of 124.47, adding to the pressure surrounding his performances as captain.
CAN RIYAN PARAG BE PUNISHED FOR VAPING?
The IPL has yet to receive any official confirmation regarding the clip or any potential breach of conduct. However, the incident sparked discussions about possible disciplinary action.
The IPL has previously taken a strict stand on dressing room behaviour. Earlier this season, team manager RR Romi Bhinder was fined after he was seen using his phone in the trenches during the match.
There have also recently been viral clips involving players off the pitch, including one with Kagis Rabada, which has garnered attention online. While each case is different, the league has generally acted when a rule violation has been identified.
If the clip featuring Parag is deemed a breach of the IPL code of conduct, he could face a fine or further disciplinary action. For now, though, our focus is on whether the league decides to make it official.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
29 Apr 2026 0:32 IST
