Rajasthan Royals Issue Official Statement On BCCI Punishing Riyan Parag For Vaping

Rajasthan Royals break silence on Riyan Parag incident [Source: X, AFP]

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag landed in hot water when he was caught vaping inside the dressing room during a live IPL 2026 game. After BCCI’s action, the team management has finally addressed the matter.

Parag was spotted consuming electronic cigarettes, which are banned in India. Also, the act was against IPL's conduct rules. As soon as the clip went viral, the RR captain faced serious backlash, forcing the BCCI to intervene.

Kumar Sangakkara speaks on the Riyan Parag controversy

The BCCI charged Riyan Parag for IPL code of conduct violation and charged 20% of his match fee as a fine while also handing him a demerit point. 

Previously, Rajasthan Royals had a similar incident of indiscipline when team manager Romi Bhinder was also fined for using a phone in the dugout. These two incidents put a scar on RR’s image.

Amid this, RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara admitted a lack of discipline in the dressing room. He said players must follow rules and represent the franchise properly as professionals.

“Such controversies are no positives for the team and all I can say is that both issues have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise. It is a reminder to the players that they have to maintain the team’s culture," Sangakkara told the press.

For now, Riyan Parag has escaped a game ban, and hence, he is most likely to lead Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Also Read - After Riyan Parag, BCCI Goes For Rajasthan Royals In Vaping Incident

Fans not happy with Riyan Parag’s fine

Meanwhile, fans took objection to the BCCI's action against Riyan Parag for the vaping incident. It was treated as a Level 1 offence, which typically does not lead to a ban.

Hence, Parag escaped with a demerit point and a monetary fine. However, fans feel the punishment was too lenient for a public breach of discipline. Some even alleged bias or influence due to his family connections.

For context, Riyan Parag is the nephew of the late singer Zubeen Garg. His father, Parag Das’ brother Ranjit Barthakur, is a businessman associated with the Rajasthan Royals’ leadership structure.

Because of this connection, many believe that Parag was favoured to take charge of Rajasthan Royals as captain after Sanju Samson exited the franchise earlier this year.

Rajasthan Royals to face DC next

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals will shift their focus back to cricket as they face the Delhi Capitals at Jaipur. RR won their last game against the Punjab Kings after chasing 223 runs.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals had a horrendous outing against RCB as they were bowled out on just 75 runs. They lost 6 wickets with just 8 runs on the board in the powerplay.

Currently, RR are placed fourth on the points table with 6 wins in 8 games. But DC have to catch up quickly as they slipped to seventh spot with 3 wins in 8 games.

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