IPL 2026: Riyan Parag penalised, RR brace for severe consequences after dressing room vape incident

Creating fresh controversy with a careless decision under constant camera scrutiny, Riyan Parag has landed in trouble after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during the Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

While Rajasthan Royals were completing a successful chase, the spotlight quickly shifted off the field as cameras captured their captain using a vape, triggering widespread backlash across social media and within the IPL ecosystem.

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Also Read: WATCH: Riyan Parag sparks controversy after alleged vaping caught on camera in IPL clash

The IPL confirmed on Thursday that Parag has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct.

“The incident occurred during the second innings when Riyan was seen using a vape inside the dressing room. Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma,” the IPL said in its official statement.

A further clarification added that the offence falls under behaviour that brings the game into disrepute. “Article 2.21 is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute… including public acts of misconduct and unruly public behaviour,” the statement read.

The matter was reportedly brought to the authorities’ attention by on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon after the visuals surfaced.

Although vaping is not explicitly mentioned in the IPL Code, the regulation emphasises maintaining decorum in dressing rooms and player areas. “When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation… whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent… shall be considered,” the Code further states.

The controversy also raises legal concerns. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (2019) in India, e-cigarettes and vapes are banned, with violations attracting fines and possible imprisonment.

In a further development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is exploring additional action against the franchise.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (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 the IPL remains intact,” it further said.

This is not the first disciplinary issue for RR this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rajasthan Royals will next face Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday.