Riyan Parag was punished by BCCI for vaping [Source: X, AFP]The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League is gradually approaching its conclusion. While the tournament has managed to keep the Indian cricket fans on the edge of their seats through a string of nail-biting fixtures, several controversial incidents have maligned the image of the lucrative T20 league. Recently, two prominent Indian cricketers- Yuzvendra Chahal of Punjab Kings and Riyan Parag of Rajasthan Royals- were caught vaping amid the IPL 2026. As the incident grabbed negative attention of fans and critics, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia issued strict code of conduct guidelines for the players as well as the support personnel. Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal earn backlash for vaping amid IPL 2026Vaping is illegal in India, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of all e-cigarettes and similar devices. However, renowned cricketers Riyan Parag and Yuzvendra Chahal violated the rule, as they were caught using a vape during the IPL 2026. Parag was captured vaping inside the dressing room during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Chahal was seen replicating it in the flight while travelling with his Punjab Kings teammates. The BCCI took note of Parag's misconduct and penalised the RR skipper accordingly. The allrounder was fined 25 per cent of his match fees and handed one demerit point for vaping in the dressing room. While Yuzvendra Chahal has yet to face a sanction, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has warned the IPL 2026 participants of severe consequences for such misconduct. BCCI bans vaping in IPL, issues strict guidelinesOn Thursday, BCCI broke silence on multiple cases of the IPL code of conduct violation, including the infamous Riyan Parag vaping incident. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia issued an eight-page directive for all the IPL franchises, asking their players and support staff to follow the protocols. Saikia, in the official press release, reckoned that an act of vaping during the IPL will be considered a serious violation of the BCCI and IPL regulations. Also Read: “Sorry For Doubting”: Fans Hail Riyan Parag For Fiery Knock Vs Capitals In IPL 2026As the Indian government has banned the usage of vapes and electronic cigarettes, the offenders will be punished under the applicable statutory framework. "Instances of vaping within dressing room and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI's attention. It is pertinent to note that vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian Law. Any individual found engaging in such conduct within tournament premises is not only violating BCCI and IPL regulations but may also be committing a cognisable offence under applicable statutory framework," Devajit Saikia wrote. "Accordingly the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all prohibited substances is strictly banned within all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels and practice facilities." he added. BCCI prohibits entry of unauthorised persons in hotel roomsThe BCCI also banned the access of unauthorised persons, irrespective of their relation with the players, to the hotel rooms. The friends and family members of the players must obtain approval from the concerned IPL franchise's team manager to access the hotel rooms. This is meant to ensure professionalism and prevent corrupt activities in the IPL 2026. Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Gets Green Signal For India Captaincy After IPL
