Legendary Indian offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on his former Rajasthan Royals teammate Riyan Parag’s vaping controversy in IPL 2026.
During RR’s win over Punjab Kings on April 28, TV cameras had caught Parag lighting an e-cigarette and vaping in the dressing room. The issue caused controversy, especially since vaping and e-cigarettes are banned in India.
After an inquiry, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to impose a fine worth 25% of his match fess on Riyan Parag. The BCCI said that RR’s captain had brough the game into disrepute and handed him one demerit point.
“This situation could have been avoided” – Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that the situation was fully avoidable, especially for young players.
“I think this is totally a situation that could have been avoided. I want players not to get trapped in such things. I don’t really want that for a young player, and this is a little sensitive, too. I think, on all quadrants, if we look at so many things, this could have been avoided,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin went on to say that although Riyan Parag’s actions were a personal choice, he could have taken more care and not done them in a public space.
“Sometimes what happens is it’s a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in public space, that can very well be avoided. All I would say is this: it’s my small advice as an elder brother. I want to tell Riyan Parag that, whatever happens in your personal life, nobody has any concern about it.”
“Nobody can say anything about that. But whatever you do, do it in your personal space, because you are a captain, you are a franchise leader. You are probably an inspiration for many cricketers, many youth, many young Indians, and young people around the world. So there is some responsibility too,” he added.
“If action isn’t taken, then nobody will learn” – Ashwin
Ashwin also offered his sympathies to Parag but remained firm in his criticism. He acknowledged that younger players are under pressure, but also said Parag did something that could have easily been avoided.
“I have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the young kid, but at the same time, I totally believe all these things should and can be avoided,” he added.
“It can’t be easy, man. In today’s world, I also sometimes read things and think, man, I mean, sometimes this happens. I’m not saying these things should be let go under the carpet, because if action isn’t taken, nobody will learn from it. But it is better to avoid these things,” he concluded.
Riyan Parag and RR next match
Rajasthan Royals will play Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on May 1 in their next match. RR are currently fourth on the points table with six wins in nine matches, but may need an NRR boost soon enough.
Although Rajasthan are playing well, Riyan Parag has been ordinary with both bat and ball. They will now face a team that was bowled out for 75 in their last match, and that might give them some confidence.
