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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on April 30 fined Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag 25 per cent of match fee and added one demerit point to his name after he was caught smoking e-cigarette/vape in the dressing room during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 28 in Mullanpur. While the fine and one demerit point may feel like a slap on the wrist, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling over options to ensure a stringent action is taken. It will also set a precedent if a player repeats the violation in future.
“The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact,” the official statement said.
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Earlier, there was a report that a stringent action against Parag is unlikely as per the current IPL’s rules and regulations.
Match referee Amit Sharma imposed the sanction and Parag admitted to the offence. Parag was using a vape, the form of smoking which is not only prohibited in the dressing room but in the country as well.
Saikia says BCCI to decide on stringent action
As per PTI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that a stringent action is highly likely.
"As it is written clearly in the statement, we are exploring what action to take on the team. It is not decided yet," Saikia told the news agency.
Rajasthan Royals manager was penalised too
Earlier, Royals dugout was the centre of controversy as well. Their manager Romi Bhinder was seen using his smartphone in the dugout with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him. Bhinder faced a Rs 1 lakh fine for breaching PMOA Protocol.
Rajasthan Royals’ next clash
Despite the controversies, RR are alive in the playoffs race. They are placed fourth on the points table with six wins from nine games. Their next clash is at home against Delhi Capitals (DC) who have suffered three consecutive defeats.
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