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IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has copped a hefty fine from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his ‘smoking act’ during the IPL 2026 game against the Punjab Kings on April 28, Tuesday in Mullanpur. The BCCI has fined him 25 per cent of his match fee after being caught vaping in the dressing room amid the IPL game.

IPL 2026: Will Riyan Parag appeal against the BCCI’s imposition of fine?

Cricbuzz has reported that the Rajasthan Royals skipper was served the notice on April 30 in the morning. The BCCI has charged him with a Level 1 offence under Article 2.1 of the Player Code of Conduct (COC) as it pertains to unspecified breaches by the officials and players. A ₹14 crore season contract means Parag’s per-match fee comes down to ₹1 crore. Thus, a 25 per cent fine would approximately be ₹25 lakh and it is found to be a first-time offence.

Furthermore, the BCCI has also applied Article 2.21 that covers offences not specifically mentioned in the COC. It pertains to ‘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.’

Cricbuzz has reported that Parag has the right to appeal but that could pave the way for more investigation and potentially further legal proceedings. Nevertheless, there is no report of the 24-year-old appealing against the decision.

IPL 2026: How has Riyan Parag performed in the tournament?

Meanwhile, the youngster has been outstanding as the captain, ushering the Royals to six victories in eight matches, but has failed to deliver with the bat. In six games, Parag has managed only 117 runs at 14.63 alongside a strike rate of 124.47.

Nevertheless, the Royals are closer to qualifying for the playoffs, having registered six wins in the tournament. But the inaugural IPL champions would want their captain to get a big score.