The penalty stems from a Level 1 offence under Article 2.21 of the Code, which pertains to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.” The incident took place during the second innings of the match held in Mullanpur, where Parag was caught on live broadcast footage using a vape inside the dressing room.
According to an official IPL media advisory, Parag admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. Under IPL regulations, Level 1 offences carry a financial penalty and demerit points without the need for a formal hearing.
The matter came to light after video evidence surfaced, prompting on-field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon to report the incident, as per PTI sources.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has indicated that it is also exploring further action, potentially involving the team, its officials, and other players, to ensure the league’s reputation remains intact.
Parag’s actions have sparked criticism across social media platforms, especially in light of India’s strict 2019 law banning e-cigarettes, which prohibits their production, sale, and usage.
