Fans on social media were quick to react after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Board of Governors of the Indian Premier League (IPL) announced their verdict on Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag.
Parag, 24, was caught on camera smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room during Rajasthan Royals’ match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 28. Footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
as a result Parag was reprimanded by officials, with the IPL confirming he was fined 20 per cent of his match fee.
An IPL statement read: “Riyan has been found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct which deals with conduct that brings the game into disrepute.
“Riyan admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma,” the statement added.
The BCCI is also exploring further action against the team, its officials and the player involved in a bid to ensure that the reputation of the IPL remains intact.
WAS RIYAN PARAG EASY?
Fans on social media were quick to voice their opinions after the announcement. Many believed that Parag should have faced a harsher sentence, given that e-cigarettes are banned in India.
Some have argued that Parag’s status as a cricketer may have worked in his favour, with some suggesting that an ordinary citizen would have faced harsher consequences in similar circumstances.
Questions were also raised about the nature of the punishment. The fans pointed out that players are often fined or suspended for matters such as celebrating or going slow and argued that Parago’s offense warranted a harsher punishment given the circumstances.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT VAPING?
According to the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Manufacture, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertising) Regulations 2019, the following provisions apply:
- It is a criminal offense in India to manufacture, manufacture, import, export, transport, sell (including online sales), distribute or advertise (including online advertising) e-cigarettes.
- A first offense is punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 100,000 rupees, or both.
- A repeat offense is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, a fine which may extend to Rs 5 lakh, or both.
- Those caught stocking e-cigarettes face a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 50,000 or both.
IS BCCI LETTING RIYAN PARAG OFF?
A statement issued by the IPL Board of Governors also said that the BCCI is considering further sanctions against the Rajasthan Royals to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
“The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate strict action proceedings against the erring team, its officials and players/players to ensure that the reputation of the IPL remains intact,” the statement said.
Parag is expected to lead Rajasthan Royals in their next match against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on Friday, May 1.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
30 Apr 2026 19:52 IST
