Riyan Parag caught vaping inside RR dressing room; risks imprisonment, heavy fine amid India’s strict e-cigarette ban

Despite the high-intensity win, Riyan Parag found himself at the centre of a social media firestorm after live cameras caught him vaping in the dressing room.

Updated on: Apr 29, 2026, 07:24:22 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Rajasthan Royals might have snapped Punjab Kings’ winning streak on Wednesday, but the talk of the town wasn't the scoreboard; it was Riyan Parag. Despite the high-intensity win, the RR skipper found himself at the centre of a social media firestorm after live cameras caught him vaping in the dressing room.

Riyan Parag caught vaping inside the RR dressing room during the PBKS clash. (X Image)

The footage went viral almost instantly, turning a hard-fought victory into a secondary storyline. While RR walked away with the points, the post-match buzz was dominated by the optics of Parag’s off-field moment, leaving the team's clinical performance playing second fiddle to the online debate.

The incident occurred in the 16th over of the Rajasthan Royals' chase, where Parag can be seen smoking a vape.

Parag’s actions have put him in a spot of trouble, with smoking strictly prohibited inside dressing rooms and across stadium premises, except in designated zones. The issue is further complicated by the legal status of e-cigarettes in India. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, the production, sale, purchase, import, export and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vapes are banned. Any violation of the law can attract strict penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, making the incident more than just a breach of basic stadium regulations.

The Act came into force on September 18, 2019. One of the key reasons for the ban is that it does not cover products licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Also Read - INR 2.28 lakh profit per ball: Yashasvi Jaiswal set up the chase for RR with a calculated half-century

RR's Romi Bhinder also fined INR 1 lakh earlier

This isn't the first time RR have found themselves in the middle of a controversy this season, as earlier this year, manager Romi Bhinder was caught using a mobile phone in the team dugout during their IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The BCCI anti-corruption unit, led by Sharad Kumar, subsequently showcaused Bhinder and asked for an explanation.

ACU was not happy with the clarification issued by Bhinder, as he was found guilty in the matter and fined INR 1 lakh and given an official warning.

“Romi Bhinder was involved in a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under the IPL protocols. He was given 48 hours to explain his position. His explanation came, and we are not very satisfied with it. The Anti-Corruption Unit is not very satisfied with his reply. As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he was fined an amount of INR 1 lakh and also handed a warning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” Saikia told HT.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.