Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been handed a 25 percent match fee fine and one Demerit Point after he was caught vaping inside the dressing room during Match No. 40 of the TATA IPL 2026 between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The incident took place during the second innings of the game and was confirmed through an official IPL Media Advisory released on April 30, 2026.
What Happened
Riyan Parag was seen using a vape inside the dressing room during the second innings of the PBKS vs RR clash. This was deemed a breach of Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which deals with conduct that brings the game into disrepute. The Royals skipper admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma without challenging it.
Punishment Handed Out
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Fine | 25% of match fee |
| Demerit Points | 1 point |
| Offence Level | Level 1 — Code of Conduct breach |
| Article Breached | Article 2.21 — Conduct bringing the game into disrepute |
| Incident During | Second innings, Match 40, PBKS vs RR |
| Match Referee | Amit Sharma |
BCCI May Take Stricter Action
The matter does not end here. The BCCI has confirmed that it is actively exploring further proceedings to initiate stricter action not just against Riyan Parag but potentially against the entire team, its officials, and other players involved to ensure that the reputation and integrity of the IPL remains protected. This signals that the punishment handed out by the match referee may not be the final word on the incident.
What Are Demerit Points in IPL
Under the IPL’s Code of Conduct, a player accumulating four or more Demerit Points within a 24-month period is automatically suspended for one game. The one Demerit Point given to Riyan Parag is a first formal mark against him under this system. Any further breaches within the next 24 months could put him at risk of a match ban.
This is a significant moment in IPL 2026 not just because a captain has been penalised, but because the BCCI’s choice of language in the advisory, including the phrase “stringent action,” suggests the board is treating this incident more seriously than a routine on-field conduct violation. The use of a vape inside an IPL dressing room has triggered a review that goes beyond just the player himself.
