IPL 2026: Riyan Parag Booked By BCCI For "Bringing Game Into Disrepute"

Rajasthan Royals' skipper, Riyan Parag, a shocking video surfaced during the match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 28, where he was seen using an electronic device for smoking known as "vaping" inside the players' dressing room.

This act of his sparked a debate online on the conduct of players in a prestigious league like the IPL and the demeanor of public figures on camera, as according to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, vaping is illegal in India.

While there could be legal implications of vaping in India, there were doubts on whether any action would be taken against Riyan Parag, as there was no specific law in the IPL regarding smoking or vaping.

But despite the loophole, BCCI decided to reprimand Riyan Parag for his unlawful act by imposing a 25% fine of his match fee and also handing one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players.

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.”

Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma.

BCCI's primary focus in this incident is to prevent the sanctity and image of the league which is now looking at other ways to punish those responsible, which could include stricter penalties.