BCCI goes after Rajasthan Royals in vaping incident [Source: X/AFP]
The Rajasthan Royals have had an interesting IPL 2026 journey so far, with the team playing an aggressive brand of cricket, and also have one foot in the IPL playoffs as the Riyan Parag-led side has won 6 out of the nine matches played in the tournament.
While almost everything is going smoothly on the field, things have taken a massive hit off the field with several of the Rajasthan Royals’ key members under BCCI scrutiny.
Earlier, it was the RR team manager, who came under the BCCI microscope for using a mobile phone in the dugout during an IPL game, and now, team captain Riyan Parag has come under fire for his inappropriate behaviour in the dressing room.
Riyan Parag punished by BCCI for inappropriate action
During RR’s last IPL match against the Punjab Kings, skipper Riyan Parag was caught vaping on camera in the dressing room, and the footage spread like fire as the Assam player was heavily criticised.
The BCCI took strict action against the Rajasthan Royals captain as he was fined 25 percent of his match fee for bringing the game into "disrepute" and was also handed one demerit point by the governing body.
Parag admitted to the offence, but BCCI won’t let go of the matter easily, as they are exploring other options to take action to ensure that the IPL's reputation remains intact.
BCCI Secretary set to punish Rajasthan Royals for Parag's actions
The BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia, is also unhappy with Parag’s Code of Conduct during the RR Vs PBKS IPL 2026 match, and speaking to the PTI, he revealed that stricter action will be taken against the franchise (Rajasthan Royals).
"As it is written clearly in the statement, we are exploring what action to take on the team. It is not decided yet."
On-field umpires, Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon reported the incident to the match referee, and since Parag accepted his mistakes, no formal hearing took place, and the player was fined by the BCCI.
Also Read: BCCI Official Issues Statement On Riyan Parag’s Vape Video, Threat Issued
Not the first major controversy for RR in IPL 2026
The Riyan Parag incident is not the first controversy that RR has landed in the ongoing IPL 2026. A couple of weeks ago, their team manager, Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout, and it is against the IPL rules.
The IPL governing body sent a showcase notice and took immediate action as the manager was fined INR 1 lakh, and he offered an unconditional apology.
The offence was committed during the crucial RR Vs RCB match on April 10 at the Guwahati Stadium.
Riyan Parag's downfall in IPL 2026
After witnessing the highs in the IPL 2024 season, it was widely expected that Parag would become Rajasthan Royals’ main man in the coming few years, but his flight never really took off.
While Rajasthan have done well in the IPL 2026, Parag’s own numbers with the bat have taken a massive dent. The RR captain has looked a pale shadow of his former self, and the numbers reveal the reality.
In nine IPL matches so far, Parag has only accumulated 117 runs, with an average of 14.63, and a strike rate of 124. While others have delivered the goods with the bat, Parag has been left far behind by his teammates.
Also Read: India New T20 Captain- Shreyas Iyer Sidelined, Surprising Pick Emerges As SKY's Replacement



