Video Shows Parag Vaping in Royals Dressing Room

A viral video captured Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag appearing to vape inside the team's dressing room during their Indian Premier League match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The footage, shown on the live broadcast during the 16th over of Rajasthan Royals' chase of 223, quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread criticism.

Rajasthan Royals secured a six-wicket victory, handing Punjab Kings their first loss of the IPL 2026 season. Parag contributed 29 runs off 16 balls before his dismissal on the last ball of the 14th over. Key contributions from Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey helped complete the chase. Teammates including Dhruv Jurel were visible nearby in the dressing room at the time.

The incident violates IPL regulations prohibiting smoking in stadium premises and dressing rooms, except designated areas. It also contravenes India's Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019, which bans the production, sale, purchase, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Vaping involves inhaling aerosol from a battery-operated device containing nicotine and other chemicals, which health...