Riyan Parag Fined 25% of Match Fee for ‘Smoking Act’ That Brought Game Into Disrepute

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee after being caught on camera smoking inside the dressing room during a recent IPL match, an act the BCCI deemed to have brought the game into disrepute.

The incident occurred during the Royals’ match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday night (April 28). Parag was seen using a vape inside the dressing room during the second innings.

Given his ₹14 crore contract, Parag’s per-match fee works out to approximately ₹1 crore, meaning his fine amounts to roughly ₹25 lakh – considered a heavy penalty for a first-time offence.

The BCCI charged Parag with a Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the Player Code of Conduct (COC), which addresses “conduct that brings the game into disrepute” – applied when no specific provision exists for the infraction.

Riyan Parag has also received one demerit point. He has admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma, though he retains the right to appeal.

In an official statement, the BCCI said it is also “exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player’s to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact.”

According to sources, Parag was served the notice on Thursday morning (April 30) and is expected to comply with the fine and move on rather than appeal.

                                               

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