Caught on camera: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag filmed vaping in dressing room

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping in the team's dressing room during a live broadcast of their match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday. The footage of the incident is circulating widely on social media.

The incident occurred during the 16th over of the Rajasthan Royals' chase. Parag was observed vaping in the presence of teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Smoking is prohibited in dressing rooms and stadium areas, except in designated zones. The use of e-cigarettes, or vapes, is also banned in India under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. This law prohibits the production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of e-cigarettes. Violations can result in imprisonment and fines.



Meanwhile, according to AFP, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could fine Parag for breaching IPL rules and setting a poor example.

Parag scored 29 runs as Rajasthan handed table-toppers Punjab their first defeat of the season, successfully chasing down 222.

The captain has struggled with the bat this season, scoring just 117 runs in nine matches at an average of 14.62.

This is also not the first controversy involving Rajasthan Royals this season. Earlier, their manager reportedly violated PMOA protocol by using his phone in the dugout during a broadcast. The BCCI subsequently warned and fined Romi Bhinder after an examination of the incident.

Why vaping is dangerous

Vaping refers to inhaling an aerosol produced by electronic devices such as e-cigarettes or vape pens. These devices heat a liquid—commonly known as e-liquid or vape juice—that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, vaping is far from risk-free and can have serious health implications.

The primary difference between smoking and vaping lies in how substances are delivered into the body. Smoking involves burning tobacco, which releases tar and a wide range of harmful carcinogens. Vaping, on the other hand, heats a liquid to create an aerosol. Although this process may expose users to fewer toxic substances than smoking, it still introduces harmful chemicals into the body, particularly nicotine.

Both smoking and vaping can damage lung health, but in different ways. Smoking is known to cause severe conditions such as emphysema and lung cancer due to tar and toxic smoke. Vaping has been linked to respiratory issues such as airway inflammation and “popcorn lung,” a condition associated with certain chemicals found in e-liquids.

The impact on heart health is also a growing concern. Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by contributing to plaque buildup in arteries. Vaping, while different in mechanism, can still elevate heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to long-term cardiovascular problems.

Another key issue is exposure to carcinogens. Traditional cigarettes contain more than 70 known cancer-causing substances. While vaping generally involves fewer carcinogens, it can still produce harmful compounds like formaldehyde, especially when e-liquids are overheated.

Nicotine addiction remains a major risk in both cases. Smoking is highly addictive, and vaping can be equally—if not more—habit-forming due to the availability of high-concentration nicotine in many vape products.

Oral health is also affected. Smoking is known to cause yellowing of teeth, gum disease, and oral cancers. Vaping, meanwhile, can lead to dry mouth, gum irritation, and an increased risk of dental issues over time.

A major concern with vaping is the lack of transparency around its contents. Unlike cigarettes, where ingredients are regulated and disclosed, users often have little clarity about what exactly is being inhaled through vape liquids. This uncertainty raises serious safety concerns, especially in countries where vaping is banned or poorly regulated. Users may unknowingly expose themselves to harmful or untested substances.