BCCI addresses Riyan Parag vaping controversy amid IPL 2026, says ‘We will be seeking an explanation from Riyan’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be seeking an explanation from Riyan Parag after the Rajasthan Royals captain's video of vaping inside the dressing room during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match went viral on Tuesday. The incident was caught on camera in the 16th over of Rajasthan Royals' chase of 223 against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

In the video, Parag was caught casually taking a puff and exhaling the smoke, in front of his teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. Although Rajasthan Royals won the game, but Parag's act marred the celebrations as vaping is banned in India. The visuals now have drawn the attention of BCCI.

“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 was quoted as saying to the The Indian Express. The Rajasthan Royals are yet to comment on the matter.

It must be noted that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited within the IPL stadium premises except in designated open areas. A few days back Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada was seen smoking at the team hotel but in an open area.

More to follow…