This Level 1 offence also incurs one demerit point against his name.
In accordance with a rule implemented in 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requires IPL teams to distribute a match fee of ₹7.5 lakhs to each of the 12 players participating from a side. Consequently, Parag will face a fine of ₹1,87,500 in this instance.
“Riyan acknowledged the offence and accepted the penalty handed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma,” stated the IPL in a release.
“The BCCI is also considering further measures to take strict action against the offending team, its officials, and players to preserve the integrity of the IPL,” the statement continued.
When PTI inquired with BCCI secretary Devajit Saika regarding possible actions against Rajasthan Royals, he remarked: “As clearly stated, we are evaluating what steps to take concerning the team. No decisions have been made yet.”
The central government had enforced a ban on e-cigarettes in 2019, which prohibits their production, sale, and distribution. Offenders could face a year in prison and a fine of ₹1 lakh for a first-time violation.
“Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct is designed to address all forms of conduct that may bring the game into disrepute, which are not sufficiently covered by other specific offences in this Code of Conduct, including Article 2.20,” asserts the IPL Code of Conduct. “In evaluating the severity of the offence, the context of the situation, as well as whether it was intentional, reckless, negligent, avoidable, or accidental, will be taken into account. “Moreover, the individual lodging the Report will determine where the conduct lies on the severity spectrum (ranging from minor conduct, categorized as a Level 1 Offence, to extremely serious conduct, classified as a Level 4 Offence).” Given that this is a Level 1 offence, no hearing was necessary. Parag, who has struggled with his batting performance in this IPL season, was observed inhaling from an e-cigarette, or vaping, in the dressing room during the live telecast of the match against Punjab Kings. The Royals won the match, putting an end to the Kings’ unbeaten streak in the tournament. This is not the first incident to plague the Royals this season. Earlier in the month, team manager Romi Bhinder was penalized ₹1 lakh for violating PMOA protocol after using his phone in the dugout. IPL and BCCI officials involved in the league have described this as a careless act in an age where social media and vigilant TV cameras are prevalent. The Royals’ next match is against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on Friday night. (With PTI inputs)
First Published: Apr 30, 2026 3:31 PM IST
