BCCI Officially Punishes Riyan Parag For Vaping

Riyan Parag and Jay Shah [Image Credits: X/AFP]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to punish Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag after the latter was spotted ‘vaping’ in the dressing room. The incident occurred during Rajasthan Royals’ away IPL 2026 fixture against table-toppers Punjab Kings earlier this week.

A day after the incident, several reports claimed that the board will be approaching the cricketer for a detailed explanation over his misconduct. It is worth noting that the use of e-cigarettes has been banned in the country by the Indian government.

Riyan Parag penalised by BCCI for ‘illegal act’

During the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match of the IPL 2026 season earlier this week in New Chandigarh, Royals captain Riyan Parag was caught live on camera while he was ‘vaping’ inside the dressing room.

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Parag’s ‘illegal’ act triggered an immediate reaction on social media, with several fans and experts criticising the cricketer, especially considering the Indian government has banned the use of e-cigarettes in the country.

On Thursday, April 30, i.e., a couple of days after the incident, the BCCI has now imposed a heavy fine on the young all-rounder. As per reports, Riyan Parag will have to pay a fine of 25 percent of his match fees. Apart from it, he has been handed one demerit point too.

"The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact," the official BCCI statement further read.

Riyan Parag will not challenge BCCI’s fine

The Rajasthan Royals skipper has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed on him. As per the official IPL website, the cricketer will not file any formal appeal and will pay the fine.

It is worth noting that the sanction was imposed by match referee Amit Sharma.

Riyan was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which pertains to a “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”

Parag’s vaping not the first ugly Rajasthan Royals episode in IPL 2026

Prior to the Riyan Parag ‘vaping’ incident, the BCCI had also imposed a fine of Rs. 1 lakh on Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder. The manager was fined after he was caught using a mobile phone in the team dugout during his team’s home fixture against the defending champions RCB on April 10 in Guwahati.

Royals to face Delhi Capitals after Punjab Kings win

After becoming the first side this IPL 2026 season to defeat the Punjab Kings, the Rajasthan Royals will now face the Delhi Capitals in match number 43 of the tournament.

The match will be hosted by the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday, May 1 and the action will commence from 7:30 PM IST onwards.

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