The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is under mounting pressure to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag. The outcry follows a viral video purportedly showing a cricketer vaping in the team dressing room during a clash against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, an act that drew heavy fire from fans and observers alike.
Controversy erupted during a match that was otherwise a celebration of Rajasthan’s clinical brilliance. Chasing a massive 223, Royals cruised to a sensational six-wicket victory with four balls to spare. While the spotlight should have stayed on Yashasvi Jaiswal (51) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are opening the blisters (43) and Donovan Ferreira’s cool-headed finish (52), that was it Parago’s behavior off the pitch which dominated the post-match headlines.
The backlash centers on the message such behavior sends to the locker room currently being pushed by its youth. Fans have pointed out that there are some impressionable youngsters in the team, especially 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The optics of a senior professional engaging in such conduct in the presence of a minor strengthened the requirement of responsibility.
Adding a legal dimension to the dispute, the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019 strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution and storage of e-cigarettes and vapors in India.
Social media served as a primary outlet for public frustration. One viral post that gained significant traction scathingly criticized Parago’s lack of situational awareness:
“That’s not just ‘unprofessional’, it’s downright careless. The dressing room isn’t some roadside extension where you can do whatever you want – it’s a shared team space where discipline and respect are at an absolute minimum. At this level, you’re not just another guy drinking with friends. You’re a professional cricketer representing your franchise and thousands of your fans who make you something like your teammates. Look brave or ‘cool’ – it just reveals a lack of maturity and awareness.”
“And frankly, BCCI can’t afford to ignore something like this. If there is no accountability, it sets a dangerous precedent where players start thinking the rules don’t matter. Today it’s this, tomorrow it could be something bigger,” the user further posted.
The incident also cast a shadow over the overall management of players’ conduct and stadium protocols of Rajasthan Royals. Although Rajasthan have climbed to the third position in the points table, they seem to be careless about the protocols; at the start of the season their manager was fined using a mobile phone in a confined space – dugout – during an IPL match. Now, with the senior player under scrutiny for potential legal and ethical violations, BCCI’s response will be closely watched.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
29 Apr 2026 10:42 IST
