Riyan Parag fined 25 percent match fee, gets demerit point for vaping incident

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined 25 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point after he was seen vaping in the team dressing room during a live broadcast of an IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, an incident that occurred during the second innings.

BCCI stated that Parag breached Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct relating to conduct that brings the game into bad reputation. Match referee Amit Sharma imposed the sanction including the fine and demerit point following the on-field and dressing room incident during the broadcasted match situation.

It was also noted that electronic cigarettes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019, which prohibits production, sale and distribution This marks the second disciplinary case involving Rajasthan Royals this season after team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh for using a communication device in the dugout.

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What led to disciplinary breach

The incident that led to disciplinary action took place during the second innings, when Riyan Parag was seen using a vape inside the dressing room in Mullanpur. As per News18 reports, in an official statement issued on Thursday, the BCCI said the 24-year-old batter was involved in conduct that brought “the game into disrepute.” The BCCI also stated, “Riyan was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute”.

Riyan Parag in a match X_@ParagRiyan

BCCI considers stricter measures

The BCCI stated that Riyan Parag violated Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which refers to behaviour that harms the game’s reputation. Match referee Amit Sharma imposed the penalty after the incident was noticed during the live broadcast, where Parag was seen vaping inside the dressing room. He was fined and given one demerit point according to IPL disciplinary rules.

Riyan Parag’s penalty includes a 25 percent match fee deduction and one demerit point for violating Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Punjab Kings as confirmed by the BCCI.

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U-19 world champions X_@ParagRiyan

What does Indian law say on vaping?

The Indian government banned e-cigarettes in 2019. This ban stops the production, sale, import, export, and distribution of vaping products. Even advertising them is not allowed under the law.

According to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, no person is allowed to produce, sell, transport, or promote e-cigarettes in any form. A first-time violation can lead to imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

This incident comes at a time when Rajasthan Royals have already faced disciplinary action earlier in the season, when team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a communication device in the dugout.

The case highlights the ongoing enforcement of conduct rules in the league, along with repeated disciplinary actions involving the franchise during the current season.