Ashwin warns Parag: vaping incident avoidable, cannot be ignored
Synopsis
Ravichandran Ashwin's measured but firm critique of Riyan Parag's vaping incident cuts to the heart of a deeper problem: leadership demands sacrifice of personal freedom in public spaces. With Parag fined and demerit-pointed, Ashwin's warning signals that franchises must shift from reactive punishment to preventive culture — or risk normalizing such breaches.
Key Takeaways
Riyan Parag , Rajasthan Royals captain, was caught on camera vaping in the dressing room during RR's chase against Punjab Kings .
Ravichandran Ashwin said the incident was avoidable and stressed that it cannot be brushed under the carpet.
Parag was fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct .
Ashwin emphasized that captains and franchise leaders carry responsibility as role models for youth and young cricketers globally.
Ashwin stressed that accountability is essential: "If action isn't taken, nobody will learn from it."
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag's vaping controversy, cautioning that while such lapses are preventable, they demand accountability and cannot be swept aside. Parag was caught on camera vaping inside the dressing room during RR's chase against Punjab Kings, footage that quickly circulated and ignited scrutiny over player conduct and the legal status of vaping devices in India.
Ashwin's perspective on personal choice
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin framed the incident as a breach of public trust rather than mere personal conduct. "This is totally a situation that could have been avoided," he said, emphasizing that while personal choices are valid, their execution matters. "Your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in a public space, that can very well be avoided," Ashwin noted, drawing a distinction between private behaviour and actions visible to cameras and millions of viewers.
Responsibility of captaincy
The former spinner underscored the unique position Parag occupies as a franchise leader and role model. "You are a captain, you are a franchise leader. You are probably an inspiration for many cricketers, many youth, many young Indians, and young people around the world. So there is some responsibility too," Ashwin said, framing the incident not as isolated misconduct but as a failure to uphold the standards expected of leadership.
Why accountability matters
Ashwin stressed that overlooking such breaches sends the wrong signal. "I'm not saying these things should be let go under the carpet, because if action isn't taken, nobody will learn from it," he stated, backing the IPL's decision to impose consequences. This marks the third high-profile conduct breach in the tournament this season, suggesting a pattern that demands consistent enforcement.
Disciplinary action and implications
Parag was subsequently fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after admitting to breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers conduct that brings the game into disrepute. The IPL statement confirmed the admission on Thursday, closing the immediate matter but raising questions about preventive culture within franchises.
Ashwin's closing remarks reflected empathy tempered by realism: "I have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the young kid, but at the same time, I totally believe all these things should and can be avoided." His intervention suggests veteran players view such incidents not as isolated slips but as symptoms of discipline gaps that franchises must address proactively.
Point of View
Mental health support, and cultural alignment. Until franchises invest in understanding *why* players breach conduct codes, fines will remain cosmetic.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Riyan Parag do in the vaping incident?
Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals captain, was caught on camera vaping inside the dressing room during RR's chase against Punjab Kings. The footage was broadcast and went viral, sparking widespread debate over player conduct and the legality of vaping devices under Indian law.
What action did the IPL take against Parag?
Parag was fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after admitting to breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers conduct that brings the game into disrepute.
Why did Ravichandran Ashwin criticize the incident?
Ashwin stressed that while personal choices are valid, they should remain private — not visible on broadcast cameras. He emphasized that as captain and franchise leader, Parag carries responsibility as a role model for cricketers and youth globally, making the breach particularly damaging.
What is Ashwin's main concern about letting such incidents slide?
Ashwin argued that if action is not taken, nobody will learn from the breach. He stressed that accountability is essential to maintain discipline and standards within the sport, and that such incidents cannot be brushed under the carpet.
