Fact Check: Did Riyan Parag Really Vape Inside the Dressing Room? Here's the Truth

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is all over the news, but for something that happened off the field during his team’s match against one of the best teams in IPL 2026, the Punjab Kings. A video clip from the live broadcast, widely shared on social media, appears to show Riyan Parag vaping in the dressing room. The moment was seen during the 16th over while Rajasthan Royals were chasing a target of 223 runs in Mullanpur on April 28.

Riyan Parag was already being closely watched this season because of his captaincy and his batting form, and this incident has added more attention to his campaign.

Fact Check: Did Riyan Parag Vape During Punjab vs Rajasthan IPL Clash?

A video from the live telecast has put Riyan Parag in trouble during the Rajasthan Royals’ match in the Indian Premier League 2026. The clip appears to show him in the team dressing room during the second innings, using a vape while the game was still in progress. The footage quickly spread across social media after being noticed during the broadcast.

The moment has drawn attention because league rules do not allow smoking inside dressing rooms or stadium areas, except in designated zones. It has also raised a serious concern, as e-cigarettes and vapes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, which restricts their manufacture, sale, and use, with penalties for violations.

On the field, Rajasthan Royals secured a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, handing them their first loss of the season. However, Parag had a limited impact with the bat, scoring 29 runs from 16 deliveries, as the chase was completed by Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey. His overall form this season has been below expectations. Across nine matches, he has managed 117 runs at an average of 14.63 with a strike rate of 124.47.

What Can be Riyan Parag Punishment for Vaping?

There has been no official statement yet from the IPL administration about the video or whether any rules were broken. Even so, the clip has led to discussions about whether action could be taken for Riyan Parag smoking a vape inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room.

The league has shown in the past that it takes dressing room behaviour seriously. Earlier this season, Rajasthan Royals’ team manager Romi Bhinder was fined after he was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match. Similar off-field moments have also gone viral recently, including one involving Kagiso Rabada smoking a cigarette, which caught attention online.

If the video involving Riyan Parag is found to go against the code of conduct, he could face a fine or other penalties. For now, it remains to be seen whether the richest cricket league in the world will take up the matter officially.