JAIPUR: Rajasthan Royals are once again under scrutiny for a disciplinary lapse, just days after their team manager was reprimanded for using a mobile phone in the dugout. This time, captain Riyan Parag has found himself at the center of a fresh controversy after television cameras captured him apparently vaping inside the team dressing room during Tuesday night's clash against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.
Incident Details
The moment occurred in the 16th over of the second innings while Rajasthan were chasing a target of 223. As the broadcast focused on the dressing room for reaction shots, Riyan was seen taking a puff from what appeared to be an e-cigarette. Teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel were visible in the vicinity.
Match Outcome Overshadowed
Although the Royals went on to secure a six-wicket victory, the result was quickly overshadowed by intense chatter surrounding their captain's off-field conduct.
Legal Implications
India's Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 bans the production, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of vapes, with violations carrying penalties that can include fines and, in some cases, imprisonment of up to six months for storage-related offenses. While personal use in private spaces rarely leads to prosecution, the highly public setting of a live IPL broadcast has amplified the issue.
BCCI Scrutiny
BCCI officials are understood to be examining the footage. Insiders say the matter is likely to be dealt with under the IPL code of conduct. “There is no defined punishment in the IPL code of conduct. The BCCI will be seeking legal opinion,” a source said.
Royals' Response
Royals sources said, “Until now there is no communication from the BCCI. Coach Kumar Sangakkara spoke with Riyan on the matter after the match.”
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