Parag controversy grows as BCCI steps into matter!

• BCCI investigates Riyan Parag for allegedly vaping in the dressing room
• The clip surfaced during the Rajasthan Royals match on 28 April
• Officials will demand an explanation before deciding on disciplinary action

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun looking into a video that allegedly shows Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag vaping in the

team dressing room during an IPL 2026 match.

As per media reports, a board official official has confirmed that an explanation will be demanded from Parag before the league decides whether any disciplinary step is necessary.

The clip surfaced from the live television broadcast of Rajasthan Royals' chase of 223 against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 28). The footage, widely shared on social media, appeared to capture Parag using a vaping device shortly after getting out, which has drawn strong reactions from viewers and commentators online.

Riyan Parag vaping incident IPL 2026: BCCI stance and possible action

The BCCI has made its position clear that vaping in the dressing room is not permitted under IPL rules. "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, indicating that the matter remains under internal review.

While there has been no formal announcement of any penalty, the Riyan Parag vaping incident in IPL 2026 is being examined within existing league regulations. Officials are expected to study the broadcast visuals and match documentation, and then assess whether Parag breached any specific code of conduct clauses that apply to players inside restricted team areas.

Riyan Parag vaping incident IPL 2026: season form and captaincy context

The Riyan Parag vaping incident in IPL 2026 comes during a modest campaign with the bat for the 24-year-old. Across nine matches, Parag has scored 117 runs at an average of 14.63 and a strike rate of 124.47, with a highest score of 29, and the captain is still searching for a first half-century of the season.

Parag took over the Rajasthan Royals captaincy from Sanju Samson before IPL 2026, following a major trade that sent Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The franchise had also retained Parag ahead of the November 2024 mega auction, alongside Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer, underlining Parag's central role in planning.

This is not the first time Rajasthan Royals have faced scrutiny in IPL 2026, even before the Riyan Parag vaping incident. Earlier in the season, team manager Ravinder 'Romi' Bhinder was seen using a phone during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati, prompting a separate inquiry by league officials.

The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit investigated that earlier case involving Bhinder and concluded there was no serious breach, though the Riyan Parag vaping incident in IPL 2026 now adds fresh attention. Bhinder was found to have violated BCCI IPL PMOA protocols, received a warning and was fined Rs 1 lakh, while the ACSU's security wing reported no major corruption concerns.