Riyan Parag fined 25% of match fee for vaping; BCCI warns of further action

Key facts

• Riyan Parag fined 25% of his match fee (approx Rs 25 lakh) for vaping during IPL match on April 28.
• Parag admitted the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma.
• One demerit point added to Parag's record; BCCI exploring 'stringent action' against team, officials, and players.
• BCCI charged Parag under Article 2.21 of IPL Code of Conduct for conduct bringing game into disrepute.
• Use of e-cigarettes is illegal in India for nicotine consumption.
• Earlier in the tournament, Royals team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder fined for using mobile phone in dugout.
• Parag's per-match fee estimated at Rs 1 crore based on his Rs 14 crore season contract.

Vaping incident triggers unprecedented penalty

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee after being caught on camera vaping inside the dressing room during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. The incident occurred during the second innings of the Royals' match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday night, April 28. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) charged Parag with a Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the Player Code of Conduct, which covers conduct that brings the game into disrepute. This clause is typically reserved for acts not specifically addressed elsewhere in the code, and its application here marks a notable precedent.

Hefty fine and demerit point imposed

Parag's fine amounts to approximately Rs 25 lakh, given his Rs 14 crore contract for the season translates to a per-match fee of around Rs 1 crore. The BCCI deemed this a first-time offence but still imposed a heavy penalty, reflecting the seriousness with which the board views the matter. In addition to the fine, Parag has received one demerit point. He admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma, waiving his right to a hearing. However, the BCCI stated it is 'exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact.'

Article 2.21: A broad clause for unspecified misconduct

The BCCI applied Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and are not specifically or adequately covered by other offences. The article explicitly includes public acts of misconduct, unruly public behaviour, and inappropriate comments detrimental to the interests of the game. When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the clause considers whether the conduct was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable, or accidental. The match referee determined that Parag's actions fell within the range of a Level 1 offence, the least severe category, but the board has left the door open for escalation.

Legal context: E-cigarette ban in India

The use of e-cigarettes is illegal in India for nicotine consumption, adding a legal dimension to the disciplinary action. While the IPL code of conduct does not explicitly prohibit smoking or vaping in dressing rooms, the BCCI leveraged Article 2.21 to address the breach. This is not the first disciplinary issue for the Rajasthan Royals this tournament. Earlier, team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match, indicating a pattern of lapses that the board is keen to curb.

Parag's response and potential appeal

According to sources in the BCCI and Rajasthan Royals management, Parag was served the notice on Thursday morning, April 30. He has the right to appeal, though that could lead to an investigation and potential further proceedings. It is learnt that the player will comply with the fine and move on, avoiding a protracted dispute. The BCCI's statement did not specify what 'stringent action' might entail, but the board's language suggests it is considering measures beyond the fine and demerit point, possibly targeting the team management or other players involved.

Wider implications for IPL discipline

The incident has drawn attention to the IPL's disciplinary framework and the board's willingness to use broad clauses to enforce conduct standards. By applying Article 2.21, the BCCI has signalled that off-field behaviour, even in private team areas, falls under its purview when broadcast on television. As the IPL continues to grow in commercial and cultural significance, maintaining its reputation becomes paramount. The board's proactive stance may deter future infractions but also raises questions about consistency and the scope of disciplinary powers.

The bottom line

• Riyan Parag fined 25% of match fee (approx Rs 25 lakh) and given one demerit point for vaping in dressing room.
• BCCI invoked Article 2.21 of IPL Code of Conduct, a catch-all clause for conduct bringing game into disrepute.
• E-cigarette use is illegal in India, adding legal weight to the disciplinary action.
• BCCI exploring further 'stringent action' against team, officials, and players.
• Parag admitted offence and accepted sanction; no appeal expected.
• Incident highlights BCCI's zero-tolerance approach to off-field misconduct in IPL.