Riyan Parag fined 25% of match fee for vaping in IPL dressing room

Key facts

• Riyan Parag fined 25% of his match fee for breaching IPL Code of Conduct Article 2.21.
• Parag was seen vaping in the dressing room during the second innings of Match 40 against Punjab Kings on 16 August 2025.
• He received one demerit point and admitted the offence, accepting the sanction from Match Referee Amit Sharma.
• The BCCI is exploring 'stringent action' against the team, officials, and player to protect the IPL's reputation.
• E-cigarette use for nicotine consumption is illegal in India.
• Earlier in the tournament, team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout.
• Rajasthan Royals head coach stated the controversies 'have been addressed' and players are reminded to be 'responsible to the franchise'.

A captain's breach on live television

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was caught on live television using a vape inside the dressing room during the second innings of Tuesday's Indian Premier League match against Punjab Kings. The 24-year-old was seen inhaling from an electronic device, a moment that quickly drew the attention of tournament officials. The incident occurred in Match 40 of the 2026 IPL season, a high-stakes encounter that the Royals ultimately lost. The broadcast footage showed Parag in the team's private area, but the visibility of the act on air triggered a code of conduct review.

Admission and sanction under Article 2.21

Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the penalty imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma, a former Indian cricketer. The breach fell under Article 2.21 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, which covers 'conduct that brings the game into disrepute.' The sanction included a fine of 25% of his match fee and the addition of one demerit point to his record. Level 1 breaches typically carry a maximum penalty of 50% of the match fee and up to two demerit points, making this a moderate but clear rebuke.

BCCI warns of further stringent action

Beyond the immediate fine, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced it is 'exploring other options' to initiate proceedings for 'stringent action' against the erring team, its officials, and players. The board's statement emphasized the need to 'ensure the reputation of IPL remains intact.' The use of e-cigarettes for nicotine consumption is illegal in India, adding a legal dimension to the disciplinary matter. The BCCI's willingness to escalate suggests the incident is being treated as more than a routine infraction.

Team's response and prior incidents

Rajasthan Royals' head coach said the controversies 'have been addressed' and that the constant reminder to players is to be 'responsible to the franchise.' The comment came amid a series of disciplinary lapses within the team. Earlier in the tournament, team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match, a separate breach of IPL protocols. The two incidents within the same franchise have raised questions about the team's internal discipline.

Wider implications for the IPL

The IPL has long enforced a strict code of conduct to maintain its image as a premier global cricket league. The BCCI's proactive stance in this case signals a zero-tolerance approach to actions that could tarnish the brand. Parag, a young captain and a rising star in Indian cricket, now faces the dual challenge of on-field performance and off-field conduct. The demerit point system, if accumulated, can lead to suspensions, adding further pressure.

What comes next for Parag and the Royals

The BCCI's exploration of additional proceedings leaves open the possibility of a more severe penalty, such as a suspension or a fine on the franchise itself. The team's management will need to demonstrate corrective measures to avoid further sanctions. For Parag, the incident is a public setback in a career that has seen him rise from a promising youngster to IPL captain. The coming days will reveal whether the board pursues further action and how the Royals respond to maintain discipline within their ranks.

The bottom line

• Riyan Parag was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for vaping in the dressing room during an IPL match.
• The BCCI is considering additional stringent action against the team, officials, and player to protect the league's reputation.
• E-cigarette use is illegal in India for nicotine consumption, adding legal risk to the disciplinary breach.
• The incident is the second code of conduct violation for the Rajasthan Royals this season, following the team manager's fine for mobile phone use.
• Parag admitted the offence and accepted the sanction from Match Referee Amit Sharma.