Riyan Parag vape row: Ravichandran Ashwin says 'this could have been avoided'
Riyan Parag was fined for vaping during an IPL match, and Ravichandran Ashwin criticized the incident.Summary
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was fined 25 percent of his match fee and received a demerit point for vaping inside the dressing room during an IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings. The incident was captured on live broadcast and led to criticism from former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin stated that the situation was "totally a situation that could have been avoided" and advised Parag to keep personal choices in private spaces, noting that as a captain and franchise leader, he is an inspiration to many and carries a responsibility. Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. The breach was reported by on-field umpires after video evidence surfaced, violating Article 2.21 of the IPL's Code of Conduct regarding conduct that brings the game into disrepute.
(Source：Times of India)
