BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said on Saturday that players and match officials must observe the required standards of conduct to protect the reputation of the Indian Premier League. He added that the board is examining additional, tougher steps against the parties involved in breaches of the league’s norms.
Quick facts
- Devajit Saikia stressed players and officials must maintain required decorum for the IPL’s image.
- The BCCI is exploring further stringent measures against teams and individuals violating IPL conduct rules.
- Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined Rs 25 lakh for vaping, after footage surfaced.
- Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder received a Rs 1 lakh fine for a PMOA protocol breach after using a mobile phone in the dug-out.
- When asked about Punjab police involvement regarding vaping, Saikia said there was no such situation.
Saikia’s remarks came shortly after Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag and team manager Romi Bhinder were fined for separate incidents during the ongoing IPL. Speaking to reporters at the BCCI headquarters, he said the board is considering other ways to rein in franchises that fall short of the expected standards.
He stated that the BCCI will take action and is looking at different terms, conditions, and IPL protocols governing how teams should behave. In his view, discipline is not limited to individuals alone, with teams also expected to ensure decorum is maintained at all times.
Saikia said it is a team responsibility to uphold conduct so that the IPL’s image is not impacted in any adverse way. He added that a decision will be taken accordingly, and that further steps are being considered.
In the communication sent to announce the action against Parag, the board said it is also exploring additional options to begin proceedings aimed at tougher punishment for the offending team, its officials, and the player(s) involved. The intent, as outlined in the message, is to ensure the league’s standing remains intact.
Parag was fined Rs 25 lakh after being caught on camera vaping. Bhinder was penalised with a Rs 1 lakh fine for a breach of the PMOA protocol, after he used a mobile phone while in the dug-out.
Asked whether Punjab police had contacted the BCCI in relation to the vaping issue—given that vaping has been fully banned in the country under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019—Saikia responded negatively. He said, “No. There is no such situation.”
