BCCI Cracks Down on Vaping: Strict New IPL 2026 Code of Conduct
BCCI Takes Firm Stance Following IPL Vaping Controversies
The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a whirlwind of high-octane cricket and dramatic finishes, captivating fans across the nation. However, the tournament has recently been overshadowed by off-field controversies that have drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders and the governing body alike. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now stepped in to address recent incidents involving prominent players engaging in prohibited activities.
The Incidents: Riyan Parag and Yuzvendra Chahal
Two of the league’s notable figures, Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag and Punjab Kings’ Yuzvendra Chahal, found themselves at the center of a disciplinary storm after being spotted vaping. These actions are not only against the internal regulations of the IPL but also clash with the broader legal framework in India.
Riyan Parag was observed vaping within the confines of the dressing room during a match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings. Similarly, veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was seen using a similar device while traveling with his Punjab Kings teammates. These actions drew immediate backlash from the cricketing fraternity, prompting the BCCI to take swift disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Measures and Legal Implications
The BCCI acted promptly to address Parag’s conduct. The Rajasthan Royals player was fined 25 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point for the violation. While Chahal’s case remains under review, the message from the board is clear: such behavior will no longer be tolerated.
The legal context is significant here. Vaping is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, which bans the production, distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and similar devices. By engaging in these activities, players were not only violating the BCCI’s code of conduct but were also potentially engaging in behavior that conflicts with national law.
New Eight-Page Directive Issued
In response to these incidents, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has issued an extensive eight-page directive to all IPL franchises. This communication emphasizes that the BCCI views the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes as a severe violation of tournament regulations. The directive explicitly states that any individual found engaging in such conduct within tournament premises risks facing both internal disciplinary action and potential legal repercussions under the statutory framework of India.
The ban covers all tournament venues, including:
- Dressing rooms
- Dugouts
- Team hotels
- Practice facilities
Strengthening Security and Professionalism
Beyond the vaping crackdown, the BCCI has also tightened rules regarding unauthorized access to player accommodations. To maintain the highest standards of professionalism and to mitigate risks related to anti-corruption, the board has prohibited unauthorized persons from entering hotel rooms, regardless of their personal relationship with the players. Any visitation by friends or family members now requires formal approval from the respective franchise’s team manager.
These measures represent a significant tightening of the ship for the remainder of the 2026 season. As the league enters its final stages, the BCCI is clearly signaling that the focus must remain on the cricket and the upholdal of the game’s prestige. By reinforcing these boundaries, the governing body hopes to ensure that the IPL remains a professional environment that adheres to both its own strict standards and the laws of the country.
Moving forward, all IPL participants are expected to adhere strictly to these guidelines. Failure to do so will likely result in harsher penalties, as the board seeks to preserve the image of the world’s most lucrative T20 league and ensure that the focus stays strictly on the stellar performances happening on the pitch.
