Blind spot for BCCI in Riyan Parag’s vaping controversy:What action will Indian cricket board take against Rajasthan Royals captain?

Riyan Parag has found himself in the middle of a controversy after he was caught vaping inside the dressing room during the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) match in IPL 2026 in Mullanpur. During the second innings of the match, the camera caught the RR skipper using an e-cigarette inside the dressing room, a video of which has gone viral. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly sought an explanation from the 24-year-old on this issue. But neither has there been an official statement nor a sanction on the Assam cricketer. BCCI in blind spot in Riyan Parag’s vaping controversy With this incident, the BCCI finds itself in a bit of unknown territory. Unlike other offences, which are mostly breaches of the code of conduct, this incident does not have past examples of players caught vaping/smoking during matches. According to a report in Cricbuzz, this controversy might be covered in the BCCI’s minimum standards for players and match officials whose Clause 6.1.7, “requires any person in the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Areas) to immediately submit themselves and/or any clothing, baggage or other items in their possession, to be searched by the BCCI Anti-Corruption Manager, provided that such search is carried out in the presence of a third party who shall be a member of the venue stewarding/security team.” Although the production and sale of e-cigarettes are banned in India, the tobacco control laws permit the consumption of the same indoors. A section of their website reads, “There is no law addressing the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport; therefore, the use of e-cigarettes is allowed.” It is highly likely that Parag will be let off with a fine for this incident. Also read: From arrogant gesture to latest vaping row: Why does Riyan Parag face ‘distorted image’ in cricket fraternity? Did BCCI punish Aaron Finch for vaping in IPL 2020? Parag vaping inside the dressing room is, however, not the first time that a player has done this during an IPL match. Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch, playing for RCB, was spotted using a vape in the dressing room during an IPL 2020 match against the Rajasthan Royals. But the BCCI did not take any action against Finch. Although the reason for this isn’t exactly known, it can be explained by the fact that the tournament happened in the UAE, where vaping is legal, unlike that of India. This incident has once again come to light after Parag’s controversy. RR manager Romi Bhinder fined Rs 1 lakh earlier Earlier this year, RR manager Romi Bhinder was fined a sum of Rs 1 lakh for using his mobile phone in the dugout. Bhinder was seen using his phone with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him in the dugout and this incident was investigated by BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit. Bhinder issued an unconditional apology and was penalised. Rajasthan Royals have so far played nine matches, winning six and losing three. RR’s last win was against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.