Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating the Indian Premier League's Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during the team's chase against an opponent, where Parag was seen vaping inside the dressing room. The action drew widespread condemnation on social media, prompting the IPL governing council to take disciplinary action.
Details of the Breach
According to an official statement from the IPL, Parag breached Article 2.21 of the IPL's Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, which pertains to conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game. The Level 1 offence resulted in a fine of 25 per cent of his match fee and the addition of one demerit point to his record. The IPL confirmed the penalty via a post on social media platform X, stating, 'Captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point (Level 1) for breaching Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials.'
Social Media Backlash
The incident occurred during the Royals' chase, and footage of Parag vaping in the dressing room quickly went viral. Fans and critics alike expressed their disappointment, with many calling for stricter enforcement of conduct rules. The IPL's swift action underscores the league's commitment to maintaining professionalism both on and off the field.
Implications for Parag and Rajasthan Royals
This is not the first time Parag has faced scrutiny for his behaviour. The fine and demerit point serve as a warning to all players about the importance of adhering to the league's code of conduct. For the Rajasthan Royals, this adds to the pressure as they navigate the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. The team management is expected to address the issue internally to prevent future occurrences.
The IPL continues to emphasize the need for players to set positive examples, especially given the league's massive viewership. Parag's case highlights the league's zero-tolerance policy towards actions that could tarnish the game's image.
