Riyan Parag faces heat over vaping incident; Ashwin calls it ‘avoidable’

Riyan Parag, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has come under fire after being caught vaping during a match against the Punjab Kings—an act that quickly drew criticism, especially since e-cigarettes are banned in India.

The visuals, broadcast live from the dressing room, shifted focus away from Rajasthan’s strong run in the tournament to questions around responsibility and conduct. Given Parag’s leadership role and the visibility of cricketers in India, the incident has sparked a wider debate on accountability.

BCCI action

The Board of Control for Cricket in India responded by fining Parag 25% of his match fee and adding one demerit point for bringing the game into disrepute.

Ashwin weighs in

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin addressed the controversy with a balanced take, saying the situation “could have been avoided,” particularly for a young player still building his career.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted the thin line between personal choice and public responsibility. While he emphasised that what players do in private is their own business, he cautioned against such actions playing out in public view.

‘Personal choice, but private space’

Framing his comments as advice rather than criticism, Ashwin noted that leaders like Parag are role models for younger fans and aspiring cricketers. He stressed that maintaining boundaries between personal habits and public conduct is crucial—especially when under constant scrutiny.

A note of empathy

Ashwin also expressed sympathy for Parag, acknowledging the pressures young cricketers face today. However, he maintained that incidents like this shouldn’t be brushed aside, as accountability is necessary for learning and growth.

The episode has become a talking point not just about discipline, but about the expectations placed on modern athletes in the public eye.