Riyan Parag Vaping Controversy: R Ashwin urges players to act responsibly

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said Riyan Parag’s vaping incident during the IPL 2026 match was avoidable.

Ashwin urged young cricketers to think about conduct in public spaces. Parag, the Rajasthan Royals captain, was seen vaping on camera during a match against Punjab Kings.

Vaping and other electronic smoking products are banned in such settings. The BCCI fined the Assam player 25 percent of match fees. The board said the act brought the game into disrepute. Parag has also struggled for form in the ongoing IPL.

Ashwin on Riyan Parag vaping incident and public conduct

Ashwin discussed the matter on a YouTube channel and called it sensitive. "I think this is totally a situation that could have been avoided. I want players not to get trapped in such things. I dont 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.

Speaking as a senior player, Ashwin stressed a line between private decisions and public behaviour. "Sometimes what happens...its a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in a public space, that can very well be avoided," Ashwin said.

Ashwin advice after Riyan Parag vaping incident for captains

Ashwin also offered guidance to Parag, with whom Ashwin played at Rajasthan Royals. "All I would say is this: its 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."

Ashwin said leadership brings added responsibility and visibility for a franchise. "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," Ashwin added.

Ashwin response to Riyan Parag vaping incident and BCCI action

Ashwin said the moment was difficult, but still avoidable in public view. "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," Ashwin added.

Ashwin also pointed to the role of consequences in setting standards. "It cant be easy. In todays world, I also sometimes read things and think, I mean, sometimes this happens. Im not saying these things should be let go under the carpet, because if action isnt taken, nobody will learn from it. But it is better to avoid these things," Ashwin said.

With inputs from PTI