BCCI Bans Vaping in IPL 2026: Riyan Parag and Yuzvendra Chahal Face Sanctions

As the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, the spotlight has shifted from the boundary ropes to the conduct of its stars. While the tournament has delivered a sequence of nail-biting finishes that have kept global audiences enthralled, a series of disciplinary breaches has forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene. The image of the league, often celebrated as the pinnacle of professional T20 cricket, has been challenged by the actions of two prominent Indian internationals: Yuzvendra Chahal and Riyan Parag.

The Vaping Controversy: Parag and Chahal Under Scrutiny

The controversy erupted when reports and visual evidence surfaced of Riyan Parag, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, and Yuzvendra Chahal of the Punjab Kings, using electronic cigarettes during the tournament. These incidents have not only drawn the ire of fans and cricket pundits but have also placed the players in direct conflict with Indian statutory laws.

Riyan Parag was caught vaping inside the dressing room during a high-stakes encounter between the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings. The dressing room is considered a sanctum sanctorum in cricket, a restricted area where the highest standards of professional conduct are expected. Similarly, veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was observed engaging in the same activity while traveling on a flight with his Punjab Kings teammates. The visibility of these acts, given the status of these players as role models, has triggered a significant backlash across social media platforms.

Legal Implications and BCCI Sanctions

The gravity of these actions stems from the legal landscape in India. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and similar devices are strictly prohibited. By using these devices, the players were not just violating league protocols but were potentially engaging in activities deemed illegal under national law.

The BCCI acted swiftly regarding Parag’s misconduct. The Rajasthan Royals all-rounder was penalized with a fine amounting to 25 percent of his match fees and was handed one demerit point. While Chahal has yet to receive a formal sanction at the time of writing, the governing body has made it clear that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has issued a stern warning to all participants of IPL 2026, emphasizing that further violations will result in severe consequences.

Devajit Saikia Issues Strict Eight-Page Directive

In response to the growing concerns over player behavior, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia released an exhaustive eight-page directive aimed at all IPL franchises. This document serves as a formal reinforcement of the IPL Code of Conduct, explicitly outlining the prohibition of prohibited substances within the tournament’s ecosystem.

In an official press release, Saikia noted: “Instances of vaping within dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI’s attention. It is pertinent to note that vapes and electronic cigarettes are 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 cognizable offence under the applicable statutory framework.”

The directive mandates that the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all other banned substances is strictly prohibited across all tournament venues. This includes:

• Player dressing rooms
• Dugouts during matches
• Team hotels
• Official practice facilities

Tightening Security: Restrictions on Hotel Room Access

Beyond the vaping issue, the BCCI has also moved to tighten security protocols regarding player accommodations. In an effort to ensure absolute professionalism and mitigate any risks of corrupt activities, the board has banned the access of unauthorized persons to player hotel rooms. This rule applies regardless of the individual’s relationship with the player.

Under the new guidelines, friends and family members must now obtain formal approval from the respective IPL franchise’s team manager before they can access hotel rooms. This move is designed to maintain a controlled environment around the athletes, ensuring that the integrity of IPL 2026 remains uncompromised as the tournament enters its most critical phase.

Protecting the Brand Integrity of IPL

The BCCI’s aggressive stance reflects its commitment to protecting the ‘IPL’ brand. As one of the most-watched sporting events globally, the league carries a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and legal compliance. By addressing the misconduct of high-profile players like Parag and Chahal directly, the BCCI is sending a clear message: no individual is bigger than the game or the law.

As the franchises prepare for the playoffs, the focus must return to the cricket. However, the shadow of these disciplinary measures serves as a reminder to all athletes of the scrutiny they face and the legal frameworks they must respect while representing their teams on the world stage.