Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag has been penalised for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. The batter was fined 25% of his match fee and also received a demerit point after an offence classified as Level 1 was recorded in the match in Mullanpur.
Key takeaways
- Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, was fined 25% of his match fee.
- He was issued one demerit point for an IPL Code of Conduct breach.
- The incident was treated as a Level 1 offence under Article 2.21, covering conduct that brings the game into disrepute.
- The breach was recorded during the second innings when Parag was seen vaping in the dressing room during the live broadcast.
- Parag admitted the offence and accepted the punishment set by match referee Amit Sharma.
What Parag was charged with
The IPL media advisory stated that Parag was found to have violated Article 2.21 of the tournament’s Code of Conduct. The article deals with conduct “that brings the game into disrepute.” The breach was noticed in the second innings of the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings match played in Mullanpur, where broadcast footage showed Parag using a vape inside the dressing room.
In the statement, the league noted that the incident came to light during the second half of the match, as he was seen vaping during the live telecast. Parag subsequently admitted to the offence and agreed to the sanction that was imposed by match referee Amit Sharma.
Penalty details and how the matter was reported
Under IPL regulations, a Level 1 offence results in a fine equal to 25% of the player’s match fee and one demerit point. The advisory also clarified that no formal hearing is required for this category of charge.
The league further indicated that officials became aware of the matter after video evidence emerged. After the footage surfaced, on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon reported the incident to the relevant authorities.
The IPL media advisory added that the BCCI is “exploring other options” to begin proceedings aimed at tougher action against the team, its officials, and the player(s) involved, with the objective of protecting the standing of the league.
Reaction to the incident
Parag’s actions sparked criticism on social media, particularly because e-cigarettes are banned in India under a 2019 law that prohibits their production, sale, and use.
