Parag was caught on camera smoking using an e-cigarette.
The BCCI has decided to fine Riyan Parag 25 percent of his match fee after several videos of the cricketer smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room went viral on social media. Parag was slammed for his poor conduct in the dressing room, where smoking is prohibited.
More than that, e-cigarettes, popularly known as vapes, are banned in India completely. Selling, buying, or possession of these vapes is prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019.
As a result, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) charged Riyan Parag with a Level 1 offense under Article 2.1 of the Player Code of Conduct (COC), which deals with general, unspecified breaches by players and officials.
"Riyan was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.” The incident occurred during the second innings when Riyan was seen using a vape inside the dressing room. Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma," IPL statement on the same read.
The statement further added that the BCCI is also 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.
His per-match fee comes to almost Rs 1 crore, given his INR 14 crore contract for the IPL 2026 season, a 25% punishment would be about Rs 25 lakh.
(IPL inputs)