BCCI takes strict action against Riyan Parag over vaping controversy; punishment revealed

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided on a punishment for Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag.

During RR's win over Punjab Kings on April 28, TV cameras caught Parag lighting an e-cigarette and "vaping" in the dressing room.

The incident created a huge controversy with the BCCI indicating that it would decide on a punishment for Parag.

Riyan Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee - BCCI

Earlier, a BCCI source had stated that the board would seek an explanation from Parag over his actions and then decide on further action.

Now, the BCCI has decided on Parag's punishment. It was decided that his actions had brought the game into disrepute, and hence he would be fined 25% of his match fee.

"Riyan Parag, Captain, Rajasthan Royals, has been fined 25% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 40 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Punjab Kings," the official IPL statement read.

"Riyan was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.” 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 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 statement further read.

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Riyan Parag in IPL 2026

Although Rajasthan Royals are fourth on the points table with six wins in nine matches, Riyan Parag's own form has been indifferent.

In 9 matches, Parag has made just 117 runs at an average of 14.62 and strike rate of 125. His highest score in this period has only been 29.

Parag has also brought himself on to bowl occasionally, but he hasn't found too much success in that regard either. In total he has bowled 4 overs and taken 2 wickets at an economy of 9.50 and average of 19.

Also Read: Not just Riyan Parag! "A lot of players consume e-cigarettes" - IPL source drops vaping bombshell

Rajasthan Royals next match

RR will take on Delhi Capitals in their next match at home in Jaipur on May 1. In fact, two of RR's next three matches are against the Capitals.

The race for playoffs qualification will be heating up soon and RR may need a net run rate boost from their next few matches. Currently, three teams are on 12 points and Rajasthan's net run rate is the lowest of the three.

In tight circumstances like these, RR will hope that Riyan Parag can come good with his personal form.