A controversial moment from the IPL has thrust Rajasthan Royals’ young leader Riyan Parag into the spotlight, prompting a stern advisory from veteran umpire Anil Chaudhary. Captured on camera allegedly vaping in the dressing room, the 24-year-old’s actions have sparked widespread discussion on cricketers’ off-field discipline.
The clip emerged during a tense IPL 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. In the 16th over, broadcast cameras inadvertently zoomed in on the RR dugout, revealing Parag with a vape device amid teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, and Kuldeep Sen. Within minutes, the video went viral, drawing attention to potential violations of Indian regulations.
Chaudhary, addressing the media at the EUT20 Belgium jersey unveiling, didn’t mince words. ‘Players must stay alert—cameras are everywhere nowadays,’ he said, cautioning youngsters about the perils of inadvertent exposure. He advocated for content that celebrates cricket over sensationalism.
Under the 2019 PECA Act, vaping is illegal in India, encompassing bans on manufacturing, distribution, and possession of such devices. Penalties include jail time and fines. Though BCCI maintains strict conduct codes in stadium premises, no specific vaping ban has been publicly outlined.
Dressing room etiquette often forbids tobacco products for health reasons, leaving Parag vulnerable to sanctions. This vaping saga serves as a wake-up call for IPL stars, reminding them that every moment under the lens counts.
With the league’s massive viewership, such lapses risk overshadowing athletic prowess. Chaudhary’s message is clear: vigilance is key to safeguarding careers in professional cricket.
