RR skipper Parag fined 25% match fee, gets demerit point for vaping in dressing room
Synopsis
RR captain Riyan Parag's vaping inside the dressing room during an IPL 2026 match has triggered a 25% match-fee fine and a demerit point — and exposed a grey area in the league's rulebook. The BCCI is now exploring stricter action, signalling zero tolerance for conduct that undermines the league's image.
Key Takeaways
Riyan Parag , RR captain, fined 25% of match fee and handed a demerit point on 30 April 2026 .
Violation: Level 1 breach of IPL Code of Conduct, Article 2.21 (conduct bringing game into disrepute).
Incident occurred during second innings of RR vs Punjab Kings match in New Chandigarh ; captured on camera.
Vaping is illegal in India under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019 .
BCCI exploring additional proceedings against RR , officials, and Parag for stricter sanctions.
This is RR's second disciplinary action this season; team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh earlier.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after being caught using a vape inside the dressing room during IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on 30 April. The incident, captured on camera during RR's successful chase, triggered widespread outrage across social media and the cricket fraternity.
What happened
According to the IPL statement, Parag admitted to breaching Level 1 of the IPL's Code of Conduct — specifically Article 2.21, which covers conduct that brings the game into disrepute. On-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon reported the matter to match referee Amit Sharma after visuals surfaced of the RR captain vaping in the dressing room during the second innings.
The code and the violation
The IPL's Code of Conduct does not explicitly mention vaping but mandates decorum in dressing rooms and player areas. Article 2.21 is broad enough to cover conduct not specifically addressed elsewhere — including public misconduct and unruly behaviour. Parag accepted the sanction without contesting, expediting the disciplinary process.
Legal backdrop
Under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, vaping and e-cigarette use are illegal in India. Violations carry imprisonment and hefty fines. The law prohibits production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vapes — making Parag's conduct a breach of both IPL protocol and Indian law.
BCCI exploring stricter action
The BCCI is reportedly exploring additional proceedings against RR, its officials, and the player to safeguard the IPL's reputation. The board's statement stressed that it would pursue stringent action to maintain the league's integrity. This is the second disciplinary action against RR this season — team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and warned for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
What's next
RR face Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on 1 May. The demerit point adds to Parag's record and could trigger further sanctions if accumulated over the season. The incident underscores mounting scrutiny of player conduct during IPL matches.
Point of View
The league's rulebook should have explicitly prohibited substance use in dressing rooms years ago. More concerning is that it took a camera catch and social media outrage to trigger action — suggesting enforcement is reactive, not proactive. The BCCI's move to explore stricter sanctions signals intent, but the real test is consistency: will the same rigour apply to infractions by marquee players and franchises with deeper pockets?
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Riyan Parag fined for vaping?
Parag was fined 25% of his match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Article 2.21, which covers conduct that brings the game into disrepute. He admitted to using a vape inside the dressing room during RR's match against Punjab Kings on 30 April 2026, an act captured on camera.
Is vaping legal in India?
No. Under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, vaping and e-cigarette use are illegal in India. Violations carry imprisonment and hefty fines. The law prohibits production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vapes.
What is a demerit point in IPL?
A demerit point is part of the IPL's disciplinary framework. Accumulation of demerit points over a season can trigger escalating sanctions, including match bans or higher fines. One demerit point is assigned for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct.
Is the BCCI taking further action?
Yes. The BCCI is reportedly exploring additional proceedings against Rajasthan Royals, its officials, and Parag to ensure stricter sanctions and protect the IPL's reputation. Details of any further action have not yet been disclosed.
Has RR faced other disciplinary actions this season?
Yes. Team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and given a stern warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during RR's match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati earlier in IPL 2026.
