Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag has avoided a playing ban but faces significant disciplinary action following a controversial incident during his team’s IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in New Chandigarh.
The young skipper was fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point after broadcast cameras caught him using an e-cigarette (vape) inside the dressing room. The visuals, which surfaced during RR’s successful run-chase, quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from fans and former cricketers alike.
Code of Conduct Breach and Official Sanctions
According to an official statement from the IPL, Parag admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct. This specific clause addresses “conduct that brings the game into disrepute” or “unbecoming behavior” that harms the spirit of cricket. While the league’s rulebook does not have a specific entry for vaping, the match referee, Amit Sharma, invoked the general misconduct clause to address the breach. The sanction was handed down after a report was filed by on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon.
Legal and Regulatory Complications
The incident has sparked a larger conversation due to the legal status of e-cigarettes in India. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (2019), the production, sale, and use of vapes are strictly prohibited across the country. By appearing to use the device in a high-profile, televised setting, Parag has not only breached league protocols but also seemingly bypassed national law. The BCCI is reportedly considering a secondary inquiry into how the prohibited device entered the high-security bio-bubble or dressing room area, which may lead to further penalties for the franchise or its staff.
What’s Next for the RR Captain?
Despite the backlash, Riyan Parag accepted the sanction without a formal hearing. While he remains eligible to lead Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming fixtures, the demerit point stays on his record. Under IPL rules, an accumulation of demerit points within a specific window can lead to a suspension from future matches. For now, the “Royals” management will be looking to move past the distraction as they maintain their position near the top of the IPL 2026 points table.