Riyan Parag could face disciplinary action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India after he appeared vaping during an Indian Premier League match on Tuesday in Chandigarh, where Rajasthan Royals defeated Punjab Kings. Broadcast footage showed the captain using an e-cigarette in the dressing room, and clips spread rapidly across social media platforms.
India prohibits e-cigarettes under a 2019 law that bans their manufacture, import, sale and storage regardless of nicotine content. Authorities also ban personal possession and public use, with violations carrying fines of up to 500,000 rupees and potential jail terms. The legal framework places the incident under scrutiny beyond cricket regulations.
The BCCI could impose a fine on Parag for breaching IPL conduct standards and setting a poor example. The board has enforced similar disciplinary measures recently, including a fine on a Rajasthan Royals staff member for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match. This pattern indicates a strict approach to on-field and dressing room conduct.
Parag contributed 29 runs in the match as Rajasthan chased down a target of 222 to hand Punjab their first defeat of the season. He has struggled for consistency this campaign, scoring 117 runs in nine matches at an average of 14.62.
