Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Fined for Vaping During Match
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has faced a fine from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being caught vaping in the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
Parag has been penalized 25% of his match fee, which is a Level 1 breach of the IPL Code of Conduct due to conduct deemed as bringing the game into disrepute. The umpires reported the incident to the match referee after footage surfaced showing Parag vaping while his team was chasing a target.
In a statement, the IPL confirmed that Parag acknowledged his mistake and accepted the fine from match referee Amit Sharma. The league highlighted that Parag violated Article 2.21 of the Code of Conduct, which states that players should avoid actions that diminish the game’s reputation.
BCCI Takes a Stand
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now considering stricter rules to uphold the integrity of the league. They are looking at further actions against both teams and individuals involved in similar incidents.
A Level 1 offence is not the most severe violation; it typically includes minor issues like excessive celebrations or unsportsmanlike conduct, usually resulting in a fine or demerit points.
The incident occurred in the 16th over of the match, which the Royals won by six wickets. However, the focus quickly shifted to Parag’s behavior as videos circulated online, leading to a wave of criticism from fans and commentators. Many called on the BCCI to ensure such actions don’t set a poor example for younger players, including 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Critics have also pointed out that vaping is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, which bans the use and sale of vaping products.
Fans are urging the BCCI to adopt stricter penalties, arguing that simply fining Parag does not adequately address the seriousness of the situation. This is not the first issue for the Rajasthan Royals this season; the team manager was recently fined for using a mobile phone in the dugout.
Despite these off-field controversies, the Rajasthan Royals are performing well on the field, currently sitting in the top four of the points table with 12 points after nine matches. They will next face the Delhi Capitals in Jaipur.
