Board of Control for Cricket in India imposes fine and demerit point; considers stricter action to protect IPL’s reputation

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Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, has been fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during an Indian Premier League 2026 match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Parag breached Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with behavior that could bring the game into disrepute. The incident reportedly occurred during Rajasthan Royals’ successful chase of 222 runs, which they completed with four balls remaining. Match referee Amit Sharma confirmed that Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the penalty.

The BCCI has taken a serious view of the incident, stating it is “exploring further options” to initiate stricter disciplinary action against the player, team officials, and potentially the franchise to safeguard the integrity and image of the IPL.

This development follows a recent disciplinary issue involving Rajasthan Royals’ team manager Romi Bhinder, who was fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. That breach, under Article 4.1.1 of IPL protocols, was deemed inadvertent, and Bhinder was issued a warning after offering an unconditional apology.

Both incidents surfaced after images circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about adherence to league protocols. With back-to-back breaches involving the same franchise, the BCCI is likely to tighten enforcement measures to maintain discipline and uphold the IPL’s global reputation.