New Delhi: Ryan PragueThe Rajasthan Royals captain has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and one demerit point for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.The sanction is a Level 1 offense under Article 2.21, which covers “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.” The violation occurred during the second innings of the match at Milanpur when Parag was spotted. Vaping inside the dressing room during the live broadcast.“Ryan has violated Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.” The incident occurred during the second innings when Ryan was seen using a vape inside the dressing room,” the IPL media advisory said. Parag pleaded guilty and accepted the punishment given by match referee Amit Sharma. According to IPL regulations, a Level 1 offense carries a fine of 25 percent of the match fee with one demerit point, which does not require a formal hearing.The incident came to the notice of officials after video evidence surfaced, after which on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon reported the matter, as reported by PTI. The IPL media advisory added that the BCCI is “exploring other options to initiate strict action against the errant team, its officials and players to ensure that the reputation of the IPL is upheld.”Parag’s actions drew criticism on social media, especially given that e-cigarettes are banned in India under a 2019 law that restricts their production, sale and use.
