Riyan Parag Faces BCCI Heat After Viral Vaping Incident During Rajasthan Royals’ Record IPL Chase

Rajasthan Royals’ record chase against Punjab Kings was overshadowed as captain Riyan Parag was caught vaping in the dressing room. The viral incident could lead to BCCI disciplinary action despite the team’s big win.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag could face disciplinary action from India's cricket board after he was seen vaping in the dressing room during his team's win over Punjab Kings in the IPL.

Images of Parag, 24, using an e‑cigarette during Tuesday's match in Chandigarh were broadcast live on television and quickly went viral on social media.

E‑cigarettes are banned in India under a 2019 law that prohibits their manufacture, import, sale and storage, regardless of nicotine content.

Violations can attract fines of up to 500,000 rupees ($6,000) and jail terms. Personal possession and vaping in public is also banned.

Parag scored 29 runs as Rajasthan handed table‑toppers Punjab their first defeat of the season, successfully chasing down 222.

The captain has struggled with the bat this season, scoring just 117 runs in nine matches at an average of 14.62.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could fine Parag for breaching IPL rules and setting a poor example.

Rajasthan, winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008 under late Australian great Shane Warne, recently had their team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder fined 100,000 rupees for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.

AFP (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)