BCCI Takes Strict Action Against Vaping Incidents in IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 Integrity Crisis

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season nears its thrilling conclusion, the excitement on the pitch has unfortunately been overshadowed by off-field controversies. While fans remain captivated by the nail-biting finishes and individual brilliance on display, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been forced to address behavioral issues that threaten the reputation of the tournament. Recent incidents involving high-profile cricketers have drawn the ire of the board, leading to a significant tightening of the IPL code of conduct.

Vaping Incidents Spark BCCI Intervention

The controversy centers on two prominent players, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag and Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Both athletes were caught vaping during the tournament, an act that directly contravenes both BCCI regulations and national law. Riyan Parag was spotted vaping within the team dressing room during a match against the Punjab Kings. Similarly, Yuzvendra Chahal was observed engaging in the same activity while traveling on a flight with his teammates.

These actions did not go unnoticed. The BCCI, acting swiftly to maintain the professional standards of the league, took disciplinary action against Parag. The Rajasthan Royals all-rounder was fined 25 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point for his conduct. While Yuzvendra Chahal’s case remains under review, the board has made it clear that such behavior will no longer be tolerated.

The Legal Context of Vaping in India

It is essential to understand the gravity of these actions within the Indian legal framework. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019, the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of all e-cigarettes and similar devices are strictly prohibited. By vaping, these players were not merely breaking cricket regulations; they were potentially violating national law.

New Directives from the BCCI

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently issued an exhaustive eight-page directive to all IPL franchises, mandating stricter adherence to professional protocols. In an official communication, the board emphasized that any individual caught vaping at tournament venues—including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels, and practice facilities—will face severe consequences.

“Instances of vaping within dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to the BCCI’s attention,” stated Saikia. “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.”

Stricter Security Measures for Player Hotels

Beyond the vaping controversy, the BCCI has implemented further measures to ensure the integrity and professionalism of the IPL 2026. The board has introduced a strict policy regarding access to player hotel rooms. Henceforth, unauthorized persons, including friends and family members, are prohibited from entering player rooms without explicit approval from the respective franchise’s team manager. This move is designed to safeguard the players’ environment and minimize the risk of corrupt activities, ensuring that the focus remains entirely on the game of cricket. As the tournament moves into its final stages, the BCCI is clearly signaling that it expects nothing less than complete compliance from every participant involved in the league.