Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and given a demerit point for using a vape in the dressing room during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh. The IPL stated that Parag acknowledged breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct, which pertains to behavior that harms the game’s reputation. This incident occurred while RR was chasing successfully, with cameras capturing Parag vaping in the dressing room, sparking significant backlash on social media and within the IPL community.
After Parag’s vaping was noticed by the authorities, on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon reported the incident to match referee Amit Sharma. Although the IPL’s code does not explicitly mention vaping, it emphasizes maintaining decorum in dressing rooms and player areas. The IPL is considering taking strict action against RR, its officials, and players to uphold the league’s reputation.
The IPL’s Code of Conduct Article 2.21 aims to address behaviors that tarnish the game’s image and are not covered by specific offenses in the code. It prohibits various actions, including public misconduct, unruly behavior, and inappropriate comments detrimental to the game’s interests. Vaping or using e-cigarettes is illegal in India under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, which bans their production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement, with violations leading to imprisonment and fines.
Previously, RR team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 Lakh and warned for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati. RR’s next match is against Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday.
