Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined 25% [1] of his match fee for vaping in the dressing room on Thursday.
The disciplinary action highlights the league's strict adherence to player conduct and health standards during high-profile matches. Such breaches can impact a captain's standing and the team's image during the tournament.
The incident occurred on April 30, 2026 [3], during a match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings [4]. Parag was caught vaping inside the dressing room at the Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) stadium [5].
According to league officials, the act constituted a breach of Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.21 [2]. This specific regulation prohibits behaviors deemed to bring the game into disrepute [2].
In addition to the financial penalty of 25% [1] of his match fee, the BCCI handed Parag one demerit point [2]. The league's decision to issue a fine and a demerit point instead of a more severe ban reflects the classification of the offense as a Level 1 breach.
The Rajasthan Royals captain's actions occurred in a restricted team area where such activities are prohibited. While the fine is a percentage of the specific match fee [1], the accumulation of demerit points can lead to further suspensions if a player continues to violate the code of conduct throughout the season.
“Riyan Parag was fined 25% of his match fee for vaping in the dressing room”
This penalty reinforces the BCCI's zero-tolerance approach toward prohibited substances and behaviors in team environments. By applying Article 2.21, the league signals that the conduct of team leaders is under high scrutiny, as a captain's breach of the Code of Conduct can set a negative precedent for the rest of the squad and the league's public image.
