IPL 2026:The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will seek an explanation from Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag after broadcast visuals appeared to show him vaping inside the team dressing room during an IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings. The incident occurred during Rajasthan’s chase at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday. Parag had already been dismissed for 29 off 16 balls when footage showed him holding a vape-like device inside the dressing room. The clip quickly circulated on social media, drawing criticism over player conduct.
A BCCI official confirmed that the matter is under review and that Parag’s response will determine any further action. “We will be seeking an explanation from Riyan on this issue, as vaping is not allowed. Depending on his explanation, the IPL will take further course of action,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
Rajasthan Royals secured a six-wicket win in the match, chasing down 223 with four balls to spare. Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey led the late surge as the team finished on 228 for 4 in 19.2 overs, handing Punjab Kings their first defeat of the season.
However, attention has since shifted from the on-field result to the off-field controversy. There has been no official sanction announced so far, with the BCCI indicating that the matter will be reviewed internally after receiving Parag’s explanation.
Parag, 24, has endured a modest run with the bat this season, scoring 117 runs in nine matches with a highest score of 29.
The episode marks the second instance this season involving Rajasthan Royals drawing scrutiny. Earlier, team manager Ravinder “Romi” Bhinder was warned and fined Rs 1 lakh after being found using a mobile phone during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
