When was the last time you saw an Indian cricketer vaping inside the dressing room? All that changed on Tuesday, as Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag was caught doing the same, during their match against Punjab Kings. While the focus should have been around the brilliant match that RR won, while chasing 223, it only shifted to this shocker of an incident. And now the BCCI has reacted strongly to the video being circulated online.
Riyan Parag in trouble over vaping incident?
As per a report in the Indian Express, an explanation will be sought from the player in question, before any further action is considered. “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 told the publication.
The video is believed to be from the time, when Riyan Parag had already been dismissed for 29 from 16. Eventually, the team managed to inflict first-ever loss of the season on Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, this is not the first time that RR have been embroiled in a controversy this year.
A couple of weeks earlier, franchise manager Romi Bhinder was seen on camera, speaking on the phone, during their match vs RCB in Guwahati. Later, he was cleared by the board’s anti-corruption unit, and was let go with a warning and a fine of INR 1 lakh. As far as Riyan Parag’s personal form is concerned, he seems to be struggling a bit this year. In 9 matches he has scored only 117 runs, at an average of 14, while the strike rate has been only 124. Last year, he had scored 393 runs, while in the 2024 season, he had scored 573 runs.
Despite the win, RR are third on the points table with 12 points, behind PBKS and RCB. But in all likelihood, playoffs qualification should not be difficult for them, as they are one of the more sorted sides of IPL 2026.
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