Riyan Parag fined 25% of match fee for vaping during IPL, BCCI considers further action

Key facts

• Riyan Parag fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for vaping during the IPL match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday.
• The incident occurred during the 16th over of RR's chase, with teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, and Kuldeep Sen present.
• Parag admitted the offence, which breached the IPL code of conduct for 'conduct that brings the game into disrepute'.
• BCCI is 'exploring other options' for 'stringent action' against the team, officials, and player to protect the IPL's reputation.
• Use of e-cigarettes is illegal in India under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, which bans production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement.
• Earlier in the tournament, RR team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout.
• Despite the controversy, RR chased down 222 runs to defeat Punjab Kings, with Parag scoring 29 off 16 balls.

The incident and immediate penalty

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee after being caught vaping in the dressing room during Tuesday's Indian Premier League match against Punjab Kings. The 24-year-old was seen inhaling from an e-cigarette device during television coverage of the 16th over of RR's chase, in the presence of teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, and Kuldeep Sen. Organisers ruled that Parag had breached the tournament's code of conduct, specifically the clause covering 'conduct that brings the game into disrepute'. Parag admitted the offence and accepted the penalty, which also includes one demerit point. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indicated that this may not be the end of the matter.

BCCI's stance and potential further sanctions

The BCCI stated it is 'exploring other options' for 'stringent action' against the team, officials, and player to 'ensure the reputation of IPL remains intact'. A BCCI official said, 'We will be seeking an explanation from Riyan on this issue, as vaping is not allowed. Depending on his explanation, the IPL will take further course of action.' The board's reaction underscores the seriousness with which it views the incident, especially given that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited within IPL stadium premises except in designated zones. The use of e-cigarettes is illegal in India under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, which bans production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of vapes nationwide. Violations can carry penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment for up to six months.

Wider context: team discipline and Parag's form

This controversy adds to a season of disciplinary issues for the Rajasthan Royals. Earlier in the tournament, team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh after being seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match. The franchise's head coach acknowledged the challenges, stating that the controversies 'have been addressed' and that 'the constant reminder to the players is to make sure they're responsible to the franchise'. Parag, who took over as captain after Sanju Samson moved to the Chennai Super Kings for the 2026 season, has faced additional scrutiny due to his batting form. Before Tuesday's match, he had scored only 81 runs in seven innings, drawing criticism from fans and former players. His 16-ball 29 in the chase, while not a match-winning innings, contributed to the team's successful pursuit of 222 runs.

Match outcome and on-field performance

Despite the off-field distraction, Rajasthan Royals chased down a target of 222 with six wickets in hand, handing Punjab Kings their first loss of the season. Parag's contribution of 29 runs off 16 balls came during a critical phase of the innings. The victory provided a much-needed boost for the Royals, who have been navigating a turbulent season both on and off the field. The win, however, has been overshadowed by the vaping incident and the potential for further sanctions from the BCCI. The board's decision to 'explore other options' suggests that Parag and the franchise may face additional penalties beyond the match fee fine and demerit point.

Legal and regulatory implications

The incident has drawn attention to India's stringent laws against e-cigarettes. The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, makes the production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of vapes illegal, with penalties including imprisonment of up to six months. While the IPL code of conduct addresses the breach of league rules, the federal law adds a layer of legal gravity to Parag's actions. As of now, neither the BCCI, the Rajasthan Royals, nor Parag himself have issued an official explanation regarding the incident. The BCCI's request for an explanation from Parag indicates that the board is proceeding cautiously, weighing the player's response before deciding on further disciplinary measures.

Outlook: what comes next for Parag and the IPL

The BCCI's statement that it is 'exploring other options' for 'stringent action' leaves open the possibility of a suspension or additional fines for Parag, as well as potential sanctions against the Rajasthan Royals management. The board's emphasis on protecting the IPL's reputation suggests that it may seek to make an example of this case, particularly given the league's high profile and the prevalence of similar incidents in the past. For Parag, the incident adds pressure to a season already marked by leadership challenges and inconsistent form. His admission of the offence and the team's public acknowledgment of the issue may mitigate further penalties, but the BCCI's ongoing review means the final resolution remains uncertain. The Royals, meanwhile, must balance their on-field ambitions with the need to maintain discipline within the squad.

The bottom line

• Riyan Parag was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for vaping during an IPL match, admitting the offence under the code of conduct.
• The BCCI is considering additional 'stringent action' against Parag, the team, and officials to protect the IPL's reputation.
• Vaping is illegal in India under PECA 2019, which carries penalties including imprisonment of up to six months.
• Earlier this season, RR manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone in the dugout, highlighting ongoing disciplinary issues.
• Despite the controversy, RR defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets, with Parag scoring 29 off 16 balls.
• Parag's captaincy and batting form have been under scrutiny, with only 81 runs in seven innings before Tuesday's match.