GUWAHATI: Rajasthan Royals may have halted Punjab Kings’ winning run on Tuesday, April 28, but the spotlight quickly shifted away from the result to an off-field controversy involving skipper Riyan Parag.
During the latter stages of the Royals’ run chase, television cameras captured Parag appearing to use a vape inside the dressing room—an image that rapidly circulated across social media platforms. The clip sparked widespread debate online, overshadowing what had otherwise been a composed and crucial victory for the franchise.
The incident reportedly took place around the 16th over of the innings, with visuals suggesting the RR captain engaging in the act within the team area. The development has raised questions not only about adherence to stadium regulations but also about compliance with Indian law.
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in dressing rooms and most areas within cricket stadiums, except in clearly designated zones. More significantly, the use of e-cigarettes falls under legal scrutiny in India. The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, bans the production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and similar devices.
Introduced on September 18, 2019, the legislation was enacted to curb the rising use of such products, particularly among young people. Violations of the Act can lead to stringent penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.
With the visuals continuing to circulate, the episode has turned into a major talking point, leaving Rajasthan Royals’ on-field performance largely eclipsed by the controversy surrounding their captain.