Riyan Parag Fined 25% Match Fee After Vaping Incident; BCCI Warns Rajasthan Royals Over Code of Conduct Breach
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after being found in breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during an IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. The incident, which reportedly involved Parag using a vape inside the dressing room, has triggered a wider disciplinary discussion within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Incident during IPL match
According to an official statement, Parag was seen vaping during the second innings of the match, an act that was deemed to have brought the game into “disrepute.” The matter was classified as a Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
The BCCI confirmed that Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. Since it was a Level 1 breach, no formal hearing was required.
BCCI issues broader warning
While the punishment for Parag was immediate, the BCCI also indicated that further action could follow. The board stated it is “exploring options” to initiate proceedings against the Rajasthan Royals team, its officials, and other associated members to ensure the integrity of the tournament remains intact.
This has effectively served as a strong warning to the franchise as the governing body looks to maintain discipline standards across IPL teams.
Government regulations in focus
The incident has also drawn attention due to India’s existing laws on e-cigarettes. The Government of India banned e-cigarettes in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale, and distribution. Offenders can face imprisonment and financial penalties under the law.
Official response from BCCI
Speaking on the matter, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding further action against Rajasthan Royals but acknowledged that the issue is under review.
Code of conduct explained
Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct covers behaviour that brings the game into disrepute and is not explicitly covered elsewhere in the rulebook. It includes actions such as public misconduct, inappropriate behaviour, and conduct deemed detrimental to the sport’s reputation.
What next for RR
While Parag’s fine and demerit point have been confirmed, attention now shifts to whether the franchise itself will face additional sanctions. The BCCI’s statement has left the door open for further disciplinary measures as it continues to evaluate the incident.
For now, the episode has added unwanted controversy to Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 campaign, with the board signalling a strict stance on player and team conduct going forward.
