BCCI finally takes action on Riyan Parag for smoking vape during IPL 2026 match

Riyan Parag was seen smoking a vape during the PBKS vs RR match in the IPL 2026.

The BCCI has finally taken action against Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag for his on-camera vaping incident during an IPL 2026 match, ending days of speculation around whether the board would intervene.

Parag has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.1 of the IPL Code of Conduct. The charge relates to conduct that brings the “game into disrepute”, following visuals of him appearing to smoke an e-cigarette inside the dressing room during Rajasthan’s clash against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.

No ban on Parag as BCCI goes out of norm

There were calls by some fans that the BCCI should ban Riyan Parag for his antics. However, they must know that there’s no clear rule made for smoking inside a dressing room. Hence, the BCCI was caught in a limbo. With no specific rule in place for smoking or vaping inside the dressing room, the BCCI has invoked Article 2.21 of the Code of Conduct. This provision is designed to cover behaviour that is not explicitly mentioned but is still considered inappropriate or harmful to the image of the game.

For the record, “The Article 2.21 is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and which is not specifically or adequately covered by the specific offences set out in the COC.”

“By way of example, Article 2.21 may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit, without limitation, the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game.”

In Parag’s case, the breach has been categorised at the lowest level, which explains the financial penalty rather than any suspension or further disciplinary action.

Notice served, Parag unlikely to contest

According to Cricbuzz, Parag was served the official notice on Thursday morning. While he retains the right to appeal the decision, doing so could open the door to further proceedings. At this stage, he is expected to accept the fine and move on.

The incident had taken place during the second innings of the match, when broadcast cameras briefly showed Parag in the dressing room using what appeared to be an e-cigarette or more commonly known as vape. The clip quickly went viral, drawing attention not just because of the act itself but also due to India’s strict laws around e-cigarettes. The storage, buying and selling of vapes are banned in the country.