Riyan Parag Penalized for Vaping in Dressing Room During IPL Match Against Punjab Kings

NEW DELHI – Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag received a fine of 25 percent of his match fee and one demerit point following a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during an IPL 2026 fixture against the Punjab Kings.

The disciplinary action stems from a Level 1 offense under Article 2.21, which penalizes conduct that brings the game into disrepute. Broadcast cameras captured Parag using a vape inside the team dressing room during the second innings of the match held in Mullanpur.

Incident Details and Disciplinary Action

Following the emergence of video evidence, on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon officially reported the incident. Parag admitted to the offense and accepted the sanctions imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. According to the tournament’s disciplinary protocols, a Level 1 breach requires no formal hearing when the player accepts the proposed penalty.

• Player: Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)
• Charge: Level 1 offense, Article 2.21
• Financial Penalty: 25 percent of match fee
• Disciplinary Penalty: One demerit point

Legal Context and Future BCCI Proceedings

Parag’s actions generated immediate public scrutiny due to Indian federal law. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act enacted in 2019, the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited across the country.

An official IPL media advisory confirmed the breach, noting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring additional options to initiate stringent proceedings against the team, its officials, and the player to protect the integrity of the league.

Incident Summary