Riyan Parag vaping row: RR skipper faces BCCI action after dressing room video goes viral
Synopsis
Riyan Parag's captaincy debut with Rajasthan Royals is already under strain. A viral video of him vaping in the dressing room during their IPL match against Punjab Kings on 28 April has triggered BCCI scrutiny. With the skipper averaging just 81 runs in seven innings and now facing potential disciplinary action, questions mount about whether he can steady the ship amid off-field turbulence.
Key Takeaways
Riyan Parag , Rajasthan Royals captain, was captured on broadcast camera vaping in the dressing room on 28 April during an IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh .
The footage went viral on social media, raising questions about potential BCCI disciplinary action under health and safety protocols.
Parag has managed only 81 runs in seven innings this season, adding pressure to his captaincy credentials.
Rajasthan Royals won the match, chasing down 222 with six wickets in hand, handing Punjab Kings their first loss.
A precedent exists: team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh on 10 April for using a mobile phone in the dugout.
Riyan Parag, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, found himself at the centre of a disciplinary controversy on 28 April after footage emerged showing him vaping inside the team dressing room during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh. The incident, captured by broadcast cameras during the 16th over of the second innings, quickly circulated on social media, drawing scrutiny from fans and raising questions about potential BCCI action.
How the incident unfolded
The footage showed Parag with what appeared to be a vaping device moments after his dismissal, in which he had scored 29 runs off 16 balls. The timing — immediately following his exit at a critical juncture of the chase — amplified the incident's visibility. Although no explicit BCCI rule explicitly prohibits vaping, the Board of Control for Cricket in India maintains strict health and safety protocols that generally ban tobacco-related products in dressing rooms and dugouts.
BCCI protocol and potential consequences
Under established guidelines, the use of tobacco or related substances within stadium facilities is prohibited. Parag now faces potential disciplinary measures, which could include fines or suspension, though the BCCI has not yet issued a formal statement. This incident follows a recent precedent: Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and issued an official warning on 10 April for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
Parag's challenging season and added pressure
The controversy arrives at a difficult moment for the 24-year-old, who assumed captaincy of Rajasthan Royals this season following Sanju Samson's move to Chennai Super Kings. Parag has struggled with batting consistency, managing only 81 runs across seven innings before this match — a tally that has drawn criticism from fans and former players. The off-field distraction now compounds the pressure on his leadership credentials.
RR's on-field success amid controversy
Despite the controversy, Rajasthan Royals completed a successful chase, overhauling Punjab Kings' total of 222 with six wickets remaining. The victory handed Punjab Kings their first loss of the season, demonstrating the team's batting depth even as questions swirl around their captain's conduct.
What's next
The BCCI's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit is expected to review the footage and determine appropriate action. Industry observers await an official statement clarifying whether Parag will face formal charges and, if so, what penalty framework will apply. The incident underscores growing scrutiny of player behaviour in the IPL, particularly around health and safety protocols.
Point of View
Unproven leader stepping into Sanju Samson's shoes. But a viral vaping video in the dressing room, combined with a batting average that reads 11.57 across seven innings, suggests the pressure is already cracking. The BCCI's recent willingness to fine and warn team staff (Romi Bhinder's mobile phone incident) signals zero tolerance for protocol breaches. Parag may have just handed the board an easy disciplinary call — and himself a harder leadership narrative to escape.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Riyan Parag do that sparked the controversy?
Riyan Parag was captured on broadcast camera vaping inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room during the 16th over of their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings on 28 April in New Chandigarh. The footage went viral on social media shortly after his dismissal.
What are the potential consequences for Parag?
Although no explicit BCCI rule prohibits vaping, the Board maintains strict health and safety protocols that generally ban tobacco-related products in dressing rooms and dugouts. Parag faces potential disciplinary measures, which could include fines or suspension, though the BCCI has not yet issued a formal statement.
How has Parag performed as captain this season?
Parag has struggled with consistency, scoring only 81 runs across seven innings before this match — an average of 11.57. He assumed captaincy after Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings, and the early results have drawn criticism from fans and former players.
Did Rajasthan Royals win the match despite the controversy?
Yes, Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down Punjab Kings' total of 222 with six wickets remaining, handing Punjab Kings their first loss of the season.
Is there a recent precedent for BCCI disciplinary action at Rajasthan Royals?
Yes, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and issued an official warning on 10 April for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
