Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is at the center of a major controversy. He was caught on camera allegedly vaping in the locker room on April 28. The incident took place during RR’s successful chase against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur.
It happened specifically during the 16th over the cross country chase. The video went viral on social media and sparked widespread outrage.
Parag has already had a tough IPL 2026 season with the bat. He has managed just 117 runs in nine matches so far. But his struggles on the field have now been completely overshadowed by the incident.
Currently, there is no official ban confirmed by the BCCI or the IPL. However, Parag reportedly faces disciplinary action.
The IPL Code of Conduct specifically deals with conduct that brings the game into disrepute. According to rule 2.2 of the code, the match referee can issue a reprimand. A match fee, fine or suspension can also result. A formal decision is still pending.
IPL stadiums and dressing rooms are designated non-smoking areas as per health and safety protocols. BCCI guidelines prohibit the use of tobacco and related products in these premises. Vaping in a locker room therefore potentially violates several sets of rules at the same time.
But the problems don’t end there. Looks like Riyan Parag may be in contention for jail time if found guilty.
Will Riyan Parag be jailed?
The legal dimension of this dispute is significant. India completely banned e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) in 2019.
The law applies to the production, manufacture, import, export, transportation, sale, distribution, storage and advertising of electronic cigarettes. All these activities are criminal under Indian law.
First-time offenders under PECA face up to one year in prison. They can also be fined up to ₹1 lakh or face both the penalties together.
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Repeat offenders face up to 3 years in prison and fines up to ₹5 lakhs. Possession of e-cigarettes is punishable by up to six months in prison.
“From the effective date of this Act, no person may directly or indirectly —
(i) manufacture or manufacture or import or export or transport or sell or distribute electronic cigarettes, whether as a complete product or any part thereof; and (ii) advertise electronic cigarettes or participate in any advertisement that directly or indirectly promotes the use of electronic cigarettes,” states Section 4 of the Act.
“Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 4 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to one million rupees or with both, and for a second or subsequent offense with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to five million rupees,” says section 7.
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The Union Health Ministry clarified in 2023 that personal property also violates PECA. This is true regardless of whether the intent is commercial or personal. In addition, vaping in public areas falls under COTPA 2003, for which separate fines are imposed.
The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes, citing serious public health concerns. The authorities highlighted the highly addictive nature of nicotine as a key reason. Officials also highlighted the risk of e-cigarettes acting as a gateway to traditional smoking among youth.
Long-term damage to the lungs and cardiovascular system was also cited. It remains unclear how strictly PECA will be enforced against Parag specifically. However, the reputational and cricketing implications are already being felt.
Reaction on social networks
Social networks reacted sharply.
“His 15-year-old teammate is more mature… Riyan Parag is the captain of an IPL franchise and doesn’t know or care about the rules,” wrote a user on the social networking site.
“What was Riyan Parag even thinking? Less than 200 cameras and still vaping,” wrote another.
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One sarcastic comment said, “RR’s only problem this season was Riyan Parag, now it looks like that too will be solved soon.”
“Bro is in absolute trouble. But it’s Riyan Parag…somehow he always finds a way to make it worse,” one user commented.
“Riyan Parag is a young player and cricket fever is extremely high in this country – millions of fans must look up to him as an ideal. But Riyan Parag is openly vaping in the dressing room and vaping is banned in India anyway. Riyan Parag should be concentrating on his performance but he is busy blowing clouds of smoke,” said another.
