Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday fined Riyan Parag 25 per cent of his match fee after he was seen using an e-cigarette in the dressing room during an Indian Premier League match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
The incident, which took place on April 28, was caught on camera during the second innings and quickly went viral on social media. Following this, the BCCI found Parag guilty of breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Along with the fine, he has also been handed one demerit point.
WHAT THE IPL CODE OF CONDUCT SAYS
As per the IPL guidelines, Parag violated Article 2.21, which deals with “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.” This clause broadly covers acts that may harm the image of the sport but are not specifically defined under other rules.
The Code explains that such behaviour can include public misconduct, inappropriate actions, or anything that negatively impacts the reputation of cricket. The severity of the offence is judged based on context, intent, and whether the act was deliberate or negligent. Since this was classified as a Level 1 breach, the penalty was limited to a fine and did not require a formal hearing.
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E-CIGARETTE BAN AND REACTIONS
The controversy has also reignited discussions around India’s strict stance on e-cigarettes. The Government of India had banned e-cigarettes in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale, and distribution. Violations can attract imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to one lakh rupees for first-time offenders.
The viral video has drawn criticism from several quarters, with concerns raised about the influence of high-profile athletes on young audiences. An NGO, Mothers Against Vaping, has called for a detailed investigation into the matter. The group questioned whether the act was intentional or careless and warned that such behaviour could set a poor example for impressionable fans.
While the BCCI has taken disciplinary action within its framework, the broader debate around accountability and public responsibility of athletes continues.
