'Lot of players...': BCCI stuck in limbo to take action against Riyan Parag for using vape in IPL 2026

Visuals of RR captain Riyan Parag using the vape / e-cigarette went viral on social media shortly after the PBKS vs RR, IPL 2026 game.

Riyan Parag probably did not expect a few seconds on the broadcast camera to turn into the biggest talking point of the night. But that is exactly what happened in New Chandigarh, where the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain was caught appearing to vape inside the dressing room during their chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS). However, even as everyone knows what happened, the BCCI finds itself in an awkward spot with no clear path to act.

The visuals instantly went viral. During the second innings, cameras cut to the Royals dressing room and briefly showed Parag taking a puff from what looked like an e-cigarette. This was after he had already played his part with a quick 29 off 16 balls in a successful chase of 223. Rajasthan went on to seal a six-wicket win, but within minutes, the conversation was only about the RR captain. Social media picked it up, clips started circulating, and suddenly Parag’s night was about everything but cricket.

What makes this more interesting is the fact that India banned e-cigarettes back in 2019, with strict rules around their sale, storage and distribution. But enforcement around personal use, especially in private spaces, tends to sit in a grey area. A dressing room during a live IPL broadcast, though, is about as public as it gets. That is where the problem begins for both Parag and the board.

Parag’s vaping controversy: BCCI caught in between

There have been multiple reports on the matter. As per a source who talked with PTI, it was a careless act from Parag with so many cameras on duty during an IPL match. “A lot of players consume e-cigarettes, but they don’t do it in the dressing room. It is too risky and careless to be doing that with so many cameras around. With Parag caught vaping so openly, the BCCI might be forced to act.”

Meanwhile, the bigger issue is that the IPL rulebook does not clearly cover something like this. There is no direct clause on vaping, which means the BCCI cannot simply point to a rule and hand out punishment. As things stand, the board is understood to be looking for legal advice before deciding anything. The BCCI has already reacted to the viral moment, leaving the ball in Parag’s court.

There has already been some internal communication. As per TOI, The Royals’ sources say head coach Kumar Sangakkara spoke to Parag after the game, likely to make sure this does not happen again. But beyond that, everything is up in the air. Royals sources said, “Until now there is no communication from the BCCI. Coach Kumar Sangakkara spoke with Riyan on the matter after the match.“

This is also not the first time Rajasthan have had to deal with unwanted attention this season. Earlier, their team manager was pulled up for using a phone in the dugout during a match. That incident ended with a fine and a warning.