Riyan Parag’s “smoking moment” has landed in a grey zone for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL administrators, largely because there is no clear, recorded precedent of a similar contravention being handled through the existing disciplinary framework. Dressing-room smoking is not explicitly spelled out as a violation under the current set of rules—whether that is anti-corruption wording or the player code of conduct. Instead, it could fall under the scope of the PMOA guidelines, and how the BCCI chooses to respond may end up influencing the approach taken in future cases.
What the PMOA standards say
Within the BCCI’s minimum standards for players and match officials, clause 6.1.7 stands out as a provision that could potentially align with what transpired. The clause states that any person covered under the PMOA must immediately present themselves—and also any clothing, luggage, or other items in their possession—for a search by the BCCI Anti-Corruption Manager. That search, however, is conditional: it must be conducted in the presence of a third party who is part of the venue’s stewarding or security setup.
As of the time this report was prepared, there was no indication that the BCCI had issued a formal notice to Rajasthan Royals management or to their captain, despite the incident being caught on camera. Parag was filmed vaping an e-cigarette in the dressing room during the Royals’ match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday night.
Could the rules be applied?
While clause 6.1.7 and the broader PMOA framework could theoretically be invoked, that possibility remains uncertain. The lack of earlier cases makes it hard to predict whether the BCCI will treat the incident under these exact guidelines, or whether it will look for another route within its rulebook.
In parallel, India’s tobacco control laws put restrictions around e-cigarettes by banning the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, and distribution of both e-cigarettes and their components. At the same time, the situation is complicated by the messaging on a website linked to vaping products, which also claims that use is permitted indoors. The statement on the site reads: “There is no law addressing the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport; therefore, the use of e-cigarettes is allowed.”
It remains unclear which specific provisions, if any, the BCCI will choose to rely on in responding to the incident. The PMOA handbook, though, does outline potential penalties. A first offence attracts a fine of INR 1 lakh. A second breach carries a penalty of Rs INR lakh. For a third or subsequent violation, the sanction can include a three-match ban along with a fine of INR 5 lakh.
If Parag and Rajasthan Royals are asked to address the matter, they are expected to argue for treatment as a first-time breach. There was no immediate reaction from Rajasthan Royals officials. The BCCI and IPL authorities were not available for comment at the time of writing.
