![Riyan Parag and Jay Shah [Image Credits: X/AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777464831203_RiyanParagandJayShah.jpg?type=hq)
Riyan Parag and Jay Shah [Image Credits: X/AFP]
A major controversy broke out during the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh earlier this week. At one point of the match, Royals skipper Riyan Parag was spotted “vaping” in the dressing room.
The act triggered an immediate reaction on social media, with several fans and cricket experts taking potshots at the cricketer, especially considering the Indian government have banned e-cigarettes in the country.
Following the incident, another issue has now surfaced, one regarding the privacy of team captains and other players in the dressing room. Several reports claim that IPL captains had flagged this as a major concern during a meeting with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prior to the IPL 2026 season.
IPL dressing room privacy issue raised after Riyan Parag episode
According to a PTI report, IPL 2026 captains had raised an issue regarding the lack of player’s privacy in dressing rooms with the BCCI prior to the season. It is worth noting that the concern raised by captains was not related to the use of e-cigarettes, but rather the constant presence of broadcast cameras inside dressing room.
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The BCCI is now expected to review its current broadcast protocols and explore stricter guidelines on dressing room access.
While speaking to a news agency, an IPL 2026 source said “It was not specifically related to the use of e-cigarettes in the dressing room. It was broadly around players’ privacy. There are times when players are not fully dressed in the dressing room or may want to avoid cameras.”
IPL source slams Riyan Parag, broadcasting protocols to be reviewed
The source also added that while it is up to the broadcasters to decide whether the cameras should be showing the feed from the dressing room, the BCCI will now be expected to review the subject after Riyan Parag’s vaping incident.
The source further slammed the Rajasthan Royals skipper, saying that what he did was still not excusable.
The source said “They were told that it is up to the broadcaster and not the BCCI to decide on cameras showing the feed from the dressing room. After this incident, it perhaps may be reviewed. Having said that, it was careless from Parag and it is difficult to defend something like this. An elite athlete caught smoking like this is not setting a good example for the public.”
The source added "A lot of players consume e-cigarettes, but they don’t do it in the dressing room. It is too risky and careless to be doing that with so many cameras around. With Parag caught vaping so openly, the BCCI might be forced to act."
What will happen to Riyan Parag?
With BCCI reportedly hell-bent on reviewing the broadcasting matters and player’s privacy, the board might also take an action against Riyan Parag.
Moreover, even the Indian government can step into the matter, considering e-cigarettes have been banned in the country. Under the law, a first-time offender might face an imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of Rs. 1 lakh.
The day after the controversy, a BCCI official reportedly confirmed that Parag will be asked to explain his actions.
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