Riyan Parag vaping controversy: Violation may lead to imprisonment

NEWS 18 - Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag was caught on camera allegedly vaping inside the team’s dressing room during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday night. During the 16th over of Rajasthan’s chase, Parag appeared on the live broadcast holding a vaping device, raising eyebrows.

As per BCCI rules, smoking is prohibited in dressing rooms and across stadium premises, though it is permitted in designated areas.

Parag was reportedly seen holding an e-cigarette, which is banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA).

Vaping is illegal in India, and violations can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment and financial penalties. The Indian government had banned e-cigarettes back in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale and distribution.

As per the law, the offender faces imprisonment up to one year and/or a Rs one lakh fine for a first-time offence.

“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," PTI quoted a well-placed IPL source as saying.

As per the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, “no person shall, directly or indirectly, (i) produce 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 take part in any advertisement that directly or indirectly promotes the use of electronic cigarettes.

“…no person, being the owner or occupier or having the control or use of any place shall, knowingly permit it to be used for storage of any stock of electronic cigarettes."

According to John Hopkins Medicine, vaping is injurious to health but may not be as harmful as smoking a cigarette.

“Nicotine is the primary agent in regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. It causes you to crave a smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you ignore the craving. Nicotine is a toxic substance. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack," states an expert on the John Hopkins Medicine website.

This is not the first time the 2008 IPL champions have made headlines for the wrong reasons this season. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was issued a show-cause notice by the BCCI for using a mobile phone in the team dugout, thereby violating PMOA protocols. The board imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh and issued a warning.

Bhinder admitted to the offence and apologised.

“As this was his first breach under the prescribed protocols, a fine of INR 1 Lakh has been imposed in accordance with Article 7.42(a) of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols. He has also been warned to exercise greater care in the future and to adhere strictly to the established guidelines," read a statement from the IPL.