New Chandigarh: Riyan Parag, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has found himself at the center of controversy after a video circulating online appeared to show him using an e-cigarette inside the team’s dressing room during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
The footage, which surfaced during the Royals’ fixture against the Punjab Kings on Tuesday, quickly gained traction across social media platforms. The moment, reportedly captured during the latter stages of Punjab’s innings, drew widespread attention as it aired amid the live broadcast.
While the IPL’s official code does not specifically address vaping, the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited under Indian law through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. This raises questions about potential violations, particularly given that the alleged incident occurred within a stadium environment.
Parag has yet to issue a public response regarding the clip, and neither the league authorities nor the franchise have commented on the matter so far.
Despite the off-field controversy, the on-field contest delivered a high-scoring encounter. Punjab Kings posted a formidable 222 for 4 after being put in to bat, powered by a brisk 59 from Prabhsimran Singh and a late onslaught from Marcus Stoinis, who remained unbeaten on 62 off just 22 deliveries.
In response, Rajasthan Royals chased down the steep target with a composed batting display, sealing victory with four balls remaining and registering a six-wicket win.
Even as the team celebrated an important result, attention remained fixed on the viral video, adding a layer of scrutiny to Parag’s leadership during the ongoing tournament.
