Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is expected to be fined 25% of his match fee after he was caught vaping on camera during the Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur. The incident, captured during the Royals’ chase on Tuesday night, sparked criticism on social media and has now led to a formal charge under the IPL’s conduct rules.
What happened during the Punjab Kings match
Parag was filmed inhaling from an e-cigarette, commonly referred to as vaping, while in the dressing room as the match was broadcast live. The footage drew condemnation online, with many viewers questioning the leadership example set during an active IPL fixture.
Despite the controversy, Rajasthan secured the win in the match and brought an end to Punjab Kings’ unbeaten run in the tournament.
How the charge was processed under IPL rules
The matter did not reach the match referee, Amit Sharma, immediately after the game. Field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon reportedly did not submit the report right after the contest. Instead, the officials moved to inform Sharma after reviewing visual evidence.
- Riyan Parag was found guilty of a breach of the IPL code of conduct based on the applicable guidelines.
- The offence falls under “Level 1” under the IPL disciplinary framework.
- Level 1 sanctions include a 25% deduction from the match fee and one demerit point.
An IPL source indicated Parag will receive a fine related to his match earnings alongside the demerit point for the Level 1 offence.
IPL code of conduct and the relevance of Article 2.21
The IPL code of conduct cites Article 2.21 as the provision meant to address conduct that brings the sport into disrepute when the behaviour is not already specifically and adequately covered by other listed offences, including Article 2.20.
- Article 2.21 can cover, depending on seriousness and circumstances, public misconduct.
- It can also apply to unruly public behaviour.
- It may include inappropriate comments that harm the interests of the game.
- In assessing severity, the framework considers the context and whether the conduct was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable, and/or accidental.
The code also explains that the person lodging the report decides where the incident falls on the severity spectrum, ranging from minor misconduct (Level 1) to extremely serious behaviour (Level 4). Since Parag’s case was classified as Level 1, the code states there was no need for a hearing.
Government ban on e-cigarettes and Royals’ season background
The incident comes against the backdrop of a government ban on e-cigarettes dating back to 2019, which prohibits their production, sale, and distribution. Under the relevant law, an offender can face imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of ₹1 lakh for a first-time offence.
This is also not the first disciplinary cloud hanging over the Royals this season. Earlier in the month, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after he was found using his phone in the dugout. IPL and BCCI officials involved in overseeing the tournament’s conduct described the episode as a careless act in an era of social media and constant television scrutiny.
Rajasthan Royals will now turn their attention to their next assignment, as they host Delhi Capitals at home on Friday night.
