Sawt Falasteen - IPL fines Rajasthan's Parag for vaping in dressing room

Images of Parag, 24, using an e‑cigarette during Tuesday's match against Punjab Kings 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.

"Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed," a statement posted on the league’s website said, adding that the team skipper would also be hit with one demerit point.

The IPL added that India's cricket board was also exploring options to initiate "stringent action" against the Rajasthan Royals, its officials and players to ensure that the reputation of the league "remains intact".

Violations of India's e-cigarette law can attract fines of up to 500,000 rupees ($6,000) and jail terms.

Personal possession and vaping in public is also banned.

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.

P.Tamimi--SF-PST