Rajasthan Royals have found themselves in the spotlight during IPL 2026 for reasons beyond their on-field performances. Captain Riyan Parag has landed in controversy after being penalised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for vaping inside the team dressing room during a match in Mullanpur.
The incident, which surfaced during a live broadcast, has triggered wider discussions, with the board also considering potential action against the franchise. Riya Parag later admitted to the offence, resulting in a fine of 25 per cent of his match fee and one demerit point under the IPL Code of Conduct.
The BCCI confirmed that he breached Article 2.21, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. The issue carries added seriousness as vaping is illegal in India, with first-time offenders liable for a fine of up to ₹1 lakh or even a one-year jail term.
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Reacting to the controversy, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara acknowledged the negative impact such incidents can have on team culture. He stressed that players and staff must uphold discipline and standards, adding that both the franchise and the board have addressed the matter internally.
Kumar Sanggakara about Riyan Parag’s vaping incident :
“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.” [The… pic.twitter.com/Nic5VhVUwr
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) May 1, 2026
This is not an isolated incident for the Rajasthan Royals this season. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout, highlighting recurring disciplinary concerns within the setup.
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Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board is still evaluating whether to take further action against the franchise. Despite the off-field distractions, Rajasthan Royals will return to action against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur, aiming to keep their IPL 2026 campaign on track.
