The Rajasthan Royals have found themselves in the spotlight for both on-field performances and off-field controversies during IPL 2026. Captain Riyan Parag has been penalised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for vaping inside the team dressing room during a match in Mullanpur, with further action against the franchise also under consideration.
The controversy erupted after Parag was seen vaping during a live broadcast. He later admitted to the offence, following which the BCCI fined him 25 per cent of his match fee and handed him one demerit point. The board stated that he breached Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”
The incident has drawn added attention given that vaping is illegal in India, with violations potentially attracting a fine of up to ₹1 lakh and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara acknowledged that such controversies can impact the team environment and stressed the importance of maintaining discipline.
“Such incidents are not positives for the team. Both matters have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise. It is a reminder to players that they must uphold the team’s culture,” Sangakkara said.
This is the second disciplinary issue involving Rajasthan Royals this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board is still evaluating whether further action should be taken against the franchise. “We are exploring what action to take on the team. Nothing has been decided yet,” he said, as quoted by Press Trust of India.
Rajasthan Royals will now look to shift focus back to cricket as they prepare to face Delhi Capitals in their next match in Jaipur.
