Riyan Parag Fined ₹25 Lakhs for Vaping in IPL Dressing Room

BCCI signals stricter action as vaping row threatens IPL's image

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag faces a ₹25 lakh fine after he was caught vaping inside the team dressing room during the Punjab Kings clash on April 28. The incident, captured on camera during the second innings, has triggered a strong response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is now exploring additional disciplinary measures to safeguard the tournament's reputation.

Parag's fine amounts to 25% of match fee

The 24-year-old cricketer, contracted at ₹14 crore for IPL 2026, will lose approximately one-fourth of his per-match earnings—about ₹25 lakhs—from the previous game. This marks his first offence under the IPL code of conduct. The BCCI had sought an explanation from Parag following the incident, which eventually escalated after visuals circulated widely on social media.

Code of conduct breach and Level 1 charge

Parag was charged under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct for bringing the game into disrepute. The charge qualifies as a Level 1 offence, the least severe category, which meant no formal hearing was required. Parag admitted to the breach and accepted the sanction without contesting.

The regulation covers a broad spectrum of conduct violations, ranging from public acts of misconduct to behaviour deemed detrimental to cricket's interests. The IPL rulebook emphasises context and intent when assessing severity—whether the breach was deliberate, reckless, negligent, or merely accidental.

Umpires spotted the violation late

On-field umpires Nitin Menon and Tanmay Srivastava did not initially report the incident to match referee Amit Sharma. They only escalated the matter after social media posts made the footage public, raising questions about in-match monitoring protocols.

This delayed reporting meant the incident wasn't formally documented until well after the match concluded at Mullanpur.

BCCI hinting at stronger measures ahead

While confirming the fine, the BCCI issued a statement indicating that further action may follow. "The BCCI is 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," an official spokesperson said.

The language suggests the board may pursue additional measures beyond fines, though specifics remain unclear. Such steps could involve demerit points or suspension in future violations.

E-cigarettes banned in India since 2019

India's tobacco control laws have prohibited the production and sale of e-cigarettes since 2019. Violators face fines of up to ₹1 lakh and potential imprisonment for up to one year. However, there is currently no specific law restricting e-cigarette use in indoor workplaces or public spaces, according to government documentation.

This legal grey area creates complications for sports organisations seeking to enforce stricter internal standards beyond what national law mandates.

Aaron Finch's vaping incident went unpunished in 2020

The current controversy echoes a similar incident involving former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch during IPL 2020. Finch was spotted vaping in the RCB dressing room during a match against Rajasthan Royals, but faced no action from the BCCI.

Cricket observers attribute the difference to jurisdiction. IPL 2020 was held in the United Arab Emirates, where vaping is legal. The board's inaction then contrasts sharply with today's decisive stance, highlighting India's stricter regulatory environment.

Pattern of discipline at Rajasthan Royals

The vaping row is not the first disciplinary matter involving Rajasthan Royals this season. In an earlier incident, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using his mobile phone in the dugout during a match. Bhinder issued an unconditional apology following an investigation by the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit.

The back-to-back breaches have drawn scrutiny toward the franchise's internal governance and compliance culture.

RR's tournament progress amid controversy

Rajasthan Royals have completed nine matches so far, with six wins and three losses. The team's recent victory over Punjab Kings at Mullanpur—the same match where Parag's violation occurred—places them firmly in playoff contention.

The fine and potential further action, however, add an unwelcome layer of distraction as the franchise navigates the middle stages of the tournament.