Riyan Parag Fined for Vaping During PBKS vs RR IPL 2026 Match
Riyan Parag Penalised for Vaping in Dressing Room During PBKS vs RR Clash
Riyan Parag, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), has been fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point after being caught using a vape inside the team dressing room during RR’s IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in New Chandigarh on Tuesday.
Breach of IPL Code of Conduct
According to a statement released by the BCCI on Thursday, Parag violated Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which covers actions that bring the game into disrepute. The incident occurred during RR’s successful chase of PBKS’ 222-run target — a match they won with four balls to spare.
Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. The BCCI confirmed that the investigation was prompted by images that surfaced on social media shortly after the match, showing the 23-year-old all-rounder with a vaping device in the dugout.
Franchise Under Scrutiny
The penalty against Parag comes at a time when Rajasthan Royals are already under the microscope for breaching IPL protocols. Less than two weeks earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh for using his mobile phone in the dugout during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on April 10.
Bhinder, too, admitted the breach of Article 4.1.1 of the IPL’s players and officials’ area protocols, which strictly prohibits the use of electronic devices in team areas during matches. He issued an unconditional apology and was formally warned to comply with regulations moving forward.
Pattern of Lapses Raises Concerns
Photos of Bhinder on his phone, with young teammate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi beside him, went viral on social media after the Guwahati game. Similarly, images of Parag vaping circulated widely following the PBKS match, prompting swift action from the league’s disciplinary panel.
The BCCI has now indicated it is “exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s” to protect the integrity and reputation of the Indian Premier League.
Leadership Under the Lens
As captain, Parag’s actions carry added weight. While the 25% fine and demerit point are standard under IPL guidelines for such conduct, the incident raises questions about discipline within the RR camp.
Parag, known for his composed batting and emerging leadership, has so far led the side with energy and aggression. However, this lapse — especially so soon after Bhinder’s penalty — suggests a potential gap in adherence to league regulations at the franchise level.
The IPL has maintained a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that could tarnish the league’s image, particularly with global audiences and sponsors closely watching player behavior both on and off the field.
What Comes Next?
With the league intensifying its monitoring, RR management may face further scrutiny. The combination of high-profile breaches in a short span could lead to broader accountability measures, including fines or warnings directed at the franchise itself.
For Parag, this serves as a reminder that captaincy extends beyond the boundary ropes. In the hyper-visible world of the IPL, every action — even in the dressing room — is under scrutiny.
As the tournament progresses, Rajasthan Royals will need to tighten internal discipline to avoid further distractions from their on-field campaign.
