Riyan Parag, a player for Rajasthan Royals, found himself at the center of controversy after being filmed vaping in the dressing room during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on April 28, 2026. The incident occurred in the 16th over of the match, shortly after Parag scored 29 runs off 16 balls. The footage quickly circulated on social media, prompting fans to voice concerns and call for potential disciplinary action. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not have a specific rule against vaping, it maintains strict guidelines prohibiting tobacco products in player areas, which could put Parag at risk of punishment. This incident adds to the pressure on the 24-year-old, who is leading the Rajasthan Royals this season following the departure of Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings. Parag's batting performance has been underwhelming, with only 81 runs in seven innings prior to this match, leading to criticism from fans and analysts alike. Despite the distraction, the Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down a target of 222 runs, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets, marking Punjab's first loss of the season. This incident follows another controversy involving the Rajasthan Royals team manager, who was fined for using a mobile phone in the dugout earlier in the season.