An international sports star, who was seen on camera vaping inside of a stadium, could risk prison time after flaunting a ban
A sports star who has seen vaping inside a dressing room has risked prison after flouting a ban.
Riyan Parag was part of the Rajasthan Royals that ended Punjab Kings’ winning streak on Wednesday – but all the talk after the match surrounded Parag after he was seen vaping in the dressing room by live cameras.
According to BCCI guidelines, smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited within IPL stadium premises, except in designated zones. While there is no clear rule against vaping in India, the country banned vapes under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019.
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The Act prohibits the production, sale, purchase, import, export, and advertisement of e-cigarettes nationwide. Violations may lead to imprisonment (up to six months), hefty fines, or both.
On top of that, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strict rules for behaviour in stadiums, which players must follow and use of tobacco or related products in dressing rooms or dugouts is generally banned under health and safety protocols.
It’s not the first time the Rajasthan Royals have found themselves in hot water this season – and earlier this year their manager Romi Bhinder was caught using a mobile phone in the team dugout during their IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The BCCI anti-corruption unit asked Bhinder for an explanation, and he was eventually fined and slapped with an official warning.
Sharad Kumar, who had led the investigation said: “Romi Bhinder was involved in a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under the IPL protocols.
“He was given 48 hours to explain his position. His explanation came, and we are not very satisfied with it. The Anti-Corruption Unit is not very satisfied with his reply.
“As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he was fined an amount of INR 1 lakh and also handed a warning that he needs to be more careful in the future.”