RR Face Heat Off The Field: Riyan Parag Fined, Franchise May Face Stricter Action

Mumbai: The Rajasthan Royals have remained in contention for a playoff berth through the first half of the IPL 2026 season, but off-field controversies have cast a shadow over their campaign.

The inaugural champions first landed in trouble when team manager Romi Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match. The situation escalated days later when captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping in the dressing room during their recent clash against the Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

Taking serious note of the incident, the BCCI on Thursday fined Parag 25 per cent of his match fees and handed him one demerit point. The board also indicated that further action against the franchise and its officials is being considered to safeguard the league’s reputation.

“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 board said in its statement. Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that a final decision on additional measures is yet to be taken.

Reacting to the developments, head coach Kumar Sangakkara acknowledged that the incidents have been disruptive for the team environment.

“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,” Sangakkara said ahead of their clash against the Delhi Capitals. “It is a reminder to the players that they have to maintain the team’s culture.”

Sangakkara also backed Parag’s on-field contributions despite a relatively quiet season, highlighting his recent cameo against Punjab Kings. “His little innings shifted the momentum in our way. He brought the momentum back in our favour,” he added.

Rajasthan Royals will next take on Delhi Capitals on May 1 in Jaipur, aiming to keep their playoff push on track amid the off-field turbulence.

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