BCCI's Response to Riyan Parag's Alleged Vaping Incident

BCCI's Stance on Riyan Parag's Alleged Vaping

Despite allegations of Riyan Parag vaping in the dressing room, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not expected to impose any penalties. According to reliable sources within the BCCI, the IPL regulations do not currently include provisions for punishing a player for such behavior. The most the BCCI might do is issue a warning to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and seek clarification from him or the franchise. However, the board may consider introducing a NO VAPING rule to prevent future incidents. Although Parag violated the no-smoking policy, he is likely to avoid significant repercussions from the BCCI. It's important to note that vaping is prohibited in India, with the government banning the production, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes in 2019. An official statement from the BCCI is still pending.

Another Controversy for Rajasthan Royals

Second controversy involving Rajasthan Royals

Recently, RR's team manager, Romi Bhinder, made headlines for using a mobile phone in the dugout. According to IPL regulations, while managers can have phones, they are only permitted to use them in the dressing room. Bhinder was seen using his phone while seated next to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and was subsequently fined Rs 1 lakh. The BCCI confirmed, "Rajasthan Royals Team Manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, has been fined INR 1 Lakh for breaching the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols during Match 16 between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati on April 10, 2026. The breach pertains to mobile phone usage in the team dugout, violating Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols. Mr. Bhinder acknowledged the mistake and offered an unconditional apology."

Rajasthan Royals Defeat Punjab Kings

Rajasthan Royals end Punjab Kings' domination

In a significant match, Rajasthan Royals ended the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) unbeaten streak, becoming the first team to defeat them in the IPL 2026 season. Batting first, PBKS started strong with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh contributing 37 runs for the opening wicket in just 2.5 overs. Prabhsimran scored 59 runs off 44 balls, while Cooper Connolly added a brisk 30 off 14 balls. Shreyas Iyer struggled, managing only 30 runs off 27 balls. Thanks to Marcus Stoinis' explosive 62 runs off 22 balls, PBKS set a formidable target of 222 runs.

In response, RR's opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his impressive form, scoring 43 runs off 16 balls before being dismissed in the fourth over. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a crucial role, contributing 51 runs off 27 balls. Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey then propelled RR to victory, adding 77 runs for the fifth wicket in just 32 balls. Ferreira finished unbeaten with 52 runs off 26 balls, while Dubey scored a quick 31 off 12 balls. With this win, RR now holds 6 victories and 3 losses in 9 matches, placing them third with 12 points and a net run rate of +0.617, while PBKS remains at the top with 13 points and a net run rate of +1.043.