In one of the most talked-about controversies of IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been penalized by the BCCI after being caught on broadcast cameras vaping inside the players’ dressing room during a live match. It’s a moment that’s sparked a national conversation — about player conduct, league image, and India’s laws around electronic cigarettes.
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What Exactly Happened?
A shocking video surfaced during RR’s match against Punjab Kings on April 28, where Parag was seen using an electronic device for smoking — commonly known as “vaping” — inside the players’ dressing room during a live IPL match. Outlook India
What made it more complicated? According to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, vaping is illegal in India — making this not just a conduct issue, but potentially a legal one. Outlook India
For a deeper dive into vaping and its legal status globally, Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview.
BCCI’s Action: What Punishment Did Riyan Parag Get?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | April 28, 2026 |
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, Mullanpur |
| Violation | Vaping in dressing room during live match |
| Article Breached | Article 2.21 — IPL Code of Conduct |
| Offence Level | Level 1 (minor nature) |
| Fine | 25% of match fee |
| Demerit Points | 1 point |
| Formal Hearing? | No — Level 1 requires none |
| Parag’s Response | Accepted the sanction |
The incident was not immediately flagged during the match — on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon did not report the incident to match referee Amit Sharma at the time. It came under scrutiny only after broadcast visuals surfaced and was formally reviewed thereafter.
Is BCCI Done? Not Quite.
The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and players to ensure the reputation of IPL remains intact. The board is also reviewing why umpires failed to flag the incident in real time — raising questions about officiating protocols.
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The Bigger Picture
While vaping is not specifically mentioned in the IPL rulebook, the incident has been treated under broader clauses related to conduct that may harm the league’s image. This case may well push the BCCI to introduce explicit guidelines around smoking and vaping at IPL venues going forward. Storyboard18
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FAQs
Q: What is Riyan Parag’s punishment for vaping in the IPL?
A: He was fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct — with no formal hearing required at the Level 1 offence stage.
Q: Is vaping legal in India during an IPL match?
A: No — vaping is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, adding a potential legal dimension beyond just the cricket code violation.
