Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Fined for Vaping Incident During IPL Match

Riyan Parag Faces Penalty for Code of Conduct Breach

Riyan Parag, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), has been penalized 25% of his match fee and received a demerit point after being caught vaping in the dressing room during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

According to a statement from the IPL, "Riyan Parag, Captain of Rajasthan Royals, has been fined 25% of his match fee and has also received one demerit point for violating 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."

"Riyan was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, which pertains to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. The incident took place during the second innings when he was observed using a vape inside the dressing room," the statement continued.

Riyan acknowledged the violation and accepted the penalty imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also considering further actions against the team, its officials, and players to maintain the integrity of the IPL.

Rajasthan Royals' Performance Overview

Despite the controversy, Rajasthan Royals are performing well in the IPL, having secured six victories and suffered three losses, currently sitting in fourth place with 12 points and strong playoff prospects.

However, Riyan's individual performance has been underwhelming, accumulating only 117 runs in nine matches, averaging 14.62 with a strike rate of 124.46, and a top score of 29.

The team's success has largely been attributed to the explosive opening partnership of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has scored 400 runs in nine matches at a strike rate exceeding 238, including a century and two fifties, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has amassed 306 runs at a strike rate over 158 with three fifties.

Additionally, the bowling attack has been led by Jofra Archer, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 19.50, and Nandre Burger, who has taken nine wickets at an average of 32.77.

Donovan Ferreira has also contributed significantly, scoring 182 runs in six innings at an average of 36.40 and a strike rate above 158, including two fifties.

The Royals are set to face the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next home match on Friday.