Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has landed in trouble after being seen using a vape inside the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings, a moment that was picked up on the live broadcast and quickly went viral. The footage sparked widespread criticism, with fans questioning the conduct and urging action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The board has since taken disciplinary action, ruling that Parag violated the IPL Code of Conduct. He has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for a Level 1 offense. The controversy has shifted attention away from the Rajasthan Royals’ on-field campaign, putting the spotlight firmly on discipline and professionalism.
In its official communication, the BCCI confirmed that Parag’s actions fell under behavior that brings the game into disrepute. The incident occurred during the second innings, when he was spotted vaping inside the dressing room, an area where such activities are strictly prohibited.
Parag has accepted the punishment without contest, acknowledging the breach. Match referee Amit Sharma imposed the sanction, and sources indicated that the player has also been warned against repeating such conduct in the future.
The episode unfolded during the 16th over of Rajasthan’s chase, when cameras captured the moment, leading to immediate scrutiny. Regulations clearly ban smoking or vaping in enclosed stadium spaces, including dressing rooms, with only designated zones permitted for such activities.
The situation is further complicated by India’s strict legal stance on e-cigarettes. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, activities involving vapes are banned nationwide, and violations can attract significant penalties, including fines and jail time. This makes the issue not just a breach of cricketing rules, but one with broader legal implications.
The BCCI has also indicated that it is reviewing the matter further and could consider additional steps to ensure the league’s image is not compromised.
