RR skipper faces criticism after dressing room visuals during Punjab Kings IPL clash
Mullanpur
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has landed in controversy after television cameras allegedly caught him vaping inside the dressing room during his team’s IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
The visuals, aired during the live broadcast, appeared to show the RR skipper inhaling from what looked like an e-cigarette while seated in the dressing room. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering sharp reactions from fans and cricket followers.
India banned e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, which prohibits their production, sale, distribution and advertisement. Violations can attract imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for first-time offenders.
Parag, who scored a brisk 29 off 16 balls in Rajasthan Royals’ successful chase of 223, has endured a mixed season with the bat but now finds himself under scrutiny for off-field reasons.
IPL and BCCI officials involved with the tournament reportedly described the act as “careless” in an era dominated by constant television coverage and social media attention.
“A lot of players consume e-cigarettes but they do not do it openly in dressing rooms. It is risky and careless with cameras everywhere. The BCCI could now be compelled to take note,” an IPL source was quoted as saying.
No official statement had been issued by Rajasthan Royals at the time of reporting.
The controversy has also reignited discussions over dressing room privacy during IPL broadcasts. According to sources, several captains had raised concerns during a pre-season IPL meeting in Mumbai regarding cameras frequently focusing on dressing room areas during matches.
Officials reportedly clarified that decisions regarding live broadcast camera feeds rest with broadcasters and not directly with the BCCI.
This is the second controversy involving Rajasthan Royals this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after allegedly using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.
Health experts have consistently warned that vaping poses significant health risks despite being considered less harmful than conventional smoking. According to medical experts, nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and can increase blood pressure and heart-related risks.
