The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has hit a turbulent patch of controversy following a breach of conduct by one of its most prominent stars. Riyan Parag, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has been slapped with a 25 per cent match fee fine after being caught on camera vaping in the dressing room during a high-stakes clash against the Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
The incident, which occurred during the second innings on Tuesday night (April 28), was broadcasted briefly before being picked up by social media, sparking an immediate debate regarding athlete professionalism and the sanctity of the dressing room.
Riyan Parag to pay a heavy price of disrepute during PBKS vs RR
Under the current financial structure of the IPL, a 25 per cent fine for a player of Parag’s stature is no small matter. Having secured a massive ₹14 crore contract for the 2026 season, Parag’s per-match earnings sit at approximately ₹1 crore. Consequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has effectively docked him ₹25 lakh for the lapse in judgment.
While the fine is significant for a first-time offense, the BCCI’s decision to categorize this under a Level 1 offense suggests a desire to send a stern warning without resorting to a multi-match ban. According to the official notice served on the morning of April 30, Parag was charged under Article 2.1 and Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
Since the rulebook does not explicitly mention vaping or smoking within the dressing room confines, the Match Referee, Amit Sharma, invoked Article 2.21, the catch-all clause. This article is designed to address conduct that “brings the game into disrepute” and covers:
- Public acts of misconduct
- Unruly behavior
- Actions detrimental to the interests of cricket
In addition to the monetary penalty, Parag has accumulated one demerit point. The BCCI confirmed that the player admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction, waiving his right to a formal hearing to move past the incident quickly.
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The BCCI is reportedly taking this matter seriously to ensure the IPL’s family-friendly image remains untarnished. In a formal statement, the Board noted that it is “exploring other options for stringent action against the erring team and officials” to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The dressing room is traditionally considered a sacred space in cricket, and the visibility of an e-cigarette in such a high-performance environment has drawn criticism from veterans and fans alike. For the Rajasthan Royals, who are currently contending for a top-four spot, the distraction comes at a delicate time. While Parag remains eligible to lead his side in the upcoming fixtures, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on his conduct both on and off the field as the tournament reaches its business end.
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