![Riyan Parag and Aaron Finch [Source: screengrab]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777474624218_RiyanParagandAaronFinch.jpg?type=hq)
Riyan Parag and Aaron Finch [Source: screengrab]
The Indian Premier League (IPL) found itself at the center of a major off-field storm after Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag was spotted ‘vaping’ mid-match in the ongoing 2026 season. While the incident has since dominated headlines this week, it is far from the first time a player’s off-field act has stirred controversy in the cash-rich league.
Back in October 2020 during the IPL 2020 season, IPL’s quintessential journeyman Aaron Finch was caught on camera for a similar incident, thus sparking widespread debate among fans on social media.
When Aaron Finch was caught ‘vaping’ in IPL 2020
Back in October 2020, then RCB opener Aaron Finch was caught on camera ‘vaping’ in the team’s dressing room at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The legendary opening batter was seen exhaling smoke and taking another puff before the camera turned to live action during match number 33 of the IPL 2020 season.
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The incident occurred during the final over of the RCB innings, at a time when the franchise required just eight runs from the last five balls. Unbeaten number four AB de Villiers (55* off 22) eventually won RCB the match by seven wickets and two balls to spare.
Aaron Finch himself scored just 14 runs off 11 balls in the game before becoming RCB’s first victim of an otherwise successful heist over the Rajasthan Royals.
Riyan Parag to answer to BCCI for ‘vaping’ episode
Similarly, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag was spotted vaping, doing so in a match against the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026 season. Chasing 223 for a win at the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh, the cricketer can be seen vaping inside the dressing room after he was dismissed for a fiery 16-ball 29 in the game.
Parag’s move sparked much criticism from Indian cricket fans on social media, especially considering the Indian government have banned e-cigarettes in the country.
In Aaron Finch’s case, however, there is no such restriction in the UAE, which had hosted the IPL 2020 season that year after the tournament was relocated from India owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BCCI to take action against Riyan Parag?
Following the Riyan Parag vaping episode, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly issued a warning to the Rajasthan Royals skipper.
A senior BCCI official even said that the board will be expecting a detailed explanation behind Parag’s illegal act in the IPL 2026 season. While speaking with the Indian Express, the official said “We will be seeking an explanation from Riyan on this issue, as vaping is not allowed. Depending on his explanation, the IPL will take further course of action.”
With the BCCI now seeking answers from Riyan Parag, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will fade away like Aaron Finch’s 2020 episode or it will escalate into a far more serious disciplinary matter.
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