Riyan Parag cops hefty fine for dressing room vaping

In a notice to the Rajasthan Royals skipper, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) charged him with a Level 1 offence under Article 2.1 of the Player Code of Conduct (COC), which deals with general, unspecified breaches by players and officials. Parag was caught on camera smoking inside the dressing room during a recent IPL match.

As reported by Cricbuzz on April 29, in the absence of a precedent or a provision for dressing room smoking, the BCCI has applied Article 2.21 which covers offences that are not specifically mentioned in the COC.

For the record, "The Article 2.21 is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and which is not specifically or adequately covered by the specific offences set out in the COC."

The article also covers acts of misconduct in public places. "By way of example, Article 2.21 may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit, without limitation, the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game."

It also mentions recklessness and avoidable behaviour. "When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation, and whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable and/or accidental, shall be considered. Further, the person lodging the Report shall determine where on the range of severity the conduct lays (with the range of severity starting at conduct of a minor nature (and hence a Level 1 Offence) up to conduct of an extremely serious nature (and hence a Level 4 Offence)."

According to sources in the BCCI and the Rajasthan Royals management, Parag was served the notice on Thursday morning. He has the right to appeal, though that could lead to an investigation and potentially further proceedings. It is learnt that the player will comply with the fine and move on.

The RR captain was caught on camera vaping an e-cigarette in the dressing room during the Royals' match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday night. The above mentioned Article has been applied by the match referee, who has announced the fine. There was no information of any hearing though.

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