Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee after officials deemed that his actions brought the IPL into “disrepute”. The incident came to light during the Royals’ chase against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, when Parag was filmed vaping during the broadcast.
Quick facts
- Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag fined 25% of his match fee.
- Reason: Level 1 code of conduct breach for bringing the game into “disrepute”.
- Incident: Parag vaping was caught on camera during the Royals’ chase versus Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
- Penalty: 25% match-fee deduction and one demerit point.
- Match referee Amit Sharma found Parag guilty after reviewing visual evidence.
- IPL statement said Parag admitted the offence and accepted the sanction.
Parag’s vaping incident during the Royals’ innings on Tuesday night triggered criticism across social media. The IPL then proceeded under its conduct framework, with match referee Amit Sharma reaching a guilty finding for a breach of the code as outlined in IPL guidelines.
The report process, however, was not immediate. The on-field umpires—Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon—had not submitted the matter to match referee Amit Sharma right after the game. They moved only after they saw proof from the visuals, after which Sharma took action.
Under the IPL disciplinary structure, a Level 1 offence results in a 25% deduction from match fees and adds one demerit point. The league also noted in its statement that Parag admitted the offence and accepted the sanction handed down by Sharma.
The IPL statement further said the BCCI is examining additional routes to begin proceedings for tougher action. That includes potential scrutiny not just of the player involved, but also the franchise, its officials, and others connected to the incident, with the aim of protecting the league’s reputation.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saika, when asked about what could follow for Rajasthan Royals, indicated that the next steps are still being considered. He said that while the statement makes it clear that action on the team is under exploration, no decision had been reached at that stage.
Regulation and IPL code context
India had banned e-cigarettes in 2019, restricting their production, sale and distribution. Under the applicable law, a first-time offender can face up to one year in imprisonment and/or a fine of ₹1 lakh.
The IPL code of conduct cited Article 2.21 as a catch-all provision meant to cover conduct that brings the game into disrepute, particularly when it is not already clearly covered by other specific offences elsewhere in the code, including Article 2.20. It also states that, depending on how serious the breach is and the context, the provision can cover items such as public acts of misconduct, unruly public behaviour, and inappropriate comments that harm the interests of the game.
It adds that when weighing the seriousness of an offence, the governing body should consider the situation’s context and whether the behaviour was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable, or accidental. The code also explains that the person lodging the report must place the conduct on a severity scale, ranging from minor behaviour (Level 1) to extremely serious conduct (Level 4).
Because Parag’s case was classified as a Level 1 offence, the code notes there was no requirement for a hearing.
Parag’s form with the bat has not been ideal in this IPL, but the incident drew attention for off-field reasons. He was seen inhaling an e-cigarette in the dressing room during the live coverage of the Royals’ match against Punjab Kings.
Despite the controversy, Rajasthan won the game and ended Punjab Kings’ unbeaten run in the tournament. The win ensured the Royals moved on even as disciplinary action followed the broadcast footage.
This was not the only Royals-related disciplinary matter this season. Earlier in the month, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after being found using his phone in the dugout.
IPL and BCCI officials involved in the running of the tournament described that incident as a careless act in an era of social media and constantly watching TV cameras. The Parag case now adds another chapter to the franchise’s off-field troubles in the ongoing competition.
Rajasthan Royals are set to play their next match against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on Friday night.
