Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has found himself in hot water after a moment caught on live television during an IPL match. The 24-year-old was seen vaping in the dressing room during Tuesday's clash against Punjab Kings, leading to a 25% fine of his match fee and one demerit point from tournament organizers.
The incident, which aired during coverage of the match, was deemed a breach of the IPL's code of conduct for "conduct that brings the game into disrepute." E-cigarette use for nicotine consumption is illegal in India, adding further weight to the disciplinary action.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated it is "exploring other options" for "stringent action" against the team, officials, and player to "ensure the reputation of IPL remains intact." This follows an earlier incident this season where Royals team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.
For cricket fans and sports enthusiasts, this serves as a reminder that even off-field moments are under scrutiny in today's high-stakes tournaments. Whether you're a player or a passionate supporter, maintaining professionalism is key—both on the pitch and in the stands.
