Riyan Parag vaping caught on broadcast footage during PBKS vs RR IPL 2026 match and sparks off a debate on social media.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has sparked a massive controversy after being captured vaping inside the dressing room during the PBKS vs RR clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The Riyan Parag vaping clip, which appears to have been caught on the official match broadcast, shows the 24-year-old exhaling smoke from what looks like an e-cigarette while seated in the dugout.
The footage surfaced on social media during the second innings as RR chased down 223, and it immediately went viral. Fans have since been asking one question — will Riyan Parag be suspended for the vaping incident or will there be legal consequences?
WATCH Riyan Parag Vaping Footage
Riyan Parag Vaping: What Indian Law Says
Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, vaping is completely banned in India. The law prohibits the production, sale, distribution, storage, and use of all electronic nicotine delivery systems with no exceptions. First-time offenders face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. Even the storage of e-cigarettes can attract up to six months in jail and a ₹50,000 penalty.
This makes the Riyan Parag vape controversy far more serious than a typical smoking incident. Unlike regular cigarettes, which remain legal in India, e-cigarettes fall under a criminal statute. If the device in the video is confirmed to be a vape, Parag could theoretically face legal action under PECA — not just cricketing sanctions.
ALSO READ: RR Qualification Scenarios After Beating PBKS
Has Any IPL Player Been Punished For Vaping Before?
This is not the first time an IPL player has been caught with a vape in the dressing room. During IPL 2020, Australia’s Aaron Finch was spotted using an e-cigarette during an RCB match against Rajasthan Royals. The video went viral at the time, but Finch faced no action — largely because that tournament was held in the UAE, where Indian law did not apply.
Earlier this month, Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada was filmed smoking a cigarette at his team hotel. While the optics were poor, smoking a legal cigarette does not violate any BCCI or anti-doping regulation. No disciplinary action followed.
The Riyan Parag vape situation is different on both counts. He was vaping — not smoking — inside a stadium in India, where PECA is enforceable.
Will BCCI Suspend Riyan Parag For Vaping?
The BCCI’s IPL Code of Conduct covers player behaviour within stadium premises, and the board has historically taken action for off-field misconduct. However, no IPL player has ever been suspended specifically for vaping. Will Riyan Parag be suspended for the incident?
The more pressing question may be whether law enforcement gets involved. PECA is a central Act, and its enforcement falls under state authorities. Whether the Punjab police or local authorities choose to act on a viral video remains to be seen.
As of now, neither the BCCI nor the Rajasthan Royals have issued any official statement on the Riyan Parag vaping controversy. With RR already under pressure this season and Parag managing just 81 runs in seven innings before this match, the incident adds yet another layer of scrutiny on the young captain.
For the latest IPL 2026 coverage, team-specific qualification breakdowns, and match-day updates, follow The Dakia.
