RR skipper Riyan Parag escapes ban for vaping, BCCI reveals punishment

The 24-year-old Riyan Parag was spotted vaping inside the dressing room at the Mullanpur stadium. The incident happened in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) game. Parag was using a vape when Donovan Ferriera and Shubham Dubey were going great guns, and the video soon went viral on social media. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has slapped a 25% fine on his match fee for his act. However, he was not banned. The Indian cricket board took note of the action by the 24-year-old and all the noise on social media. 

An earlier report had suggested that the board had sought an explanation from the RR skipper. It was also suggested that since vaping wasn’t allowed, the all-rounder was set to be hit with a huge sanction. This move not only shows the BCCI's seriousness in maintaining decorum but also in keeping IPL’s brand spotless and intact.. 

Organization asks for strtict probe against RR skipper 

The entire vaping incident took a new turn when the Times of India put out a report regarding a group demanding a probe into the player. The group put out a statement recently and urged the Indian cricket’s apex body to show more accountability. 

“Union health ministry has also clarified that possession of e-cigarettes in any form or quantity is a violation of the law”. The lengthy statement also read, “In India, the law must stand above all else; whether it is a celebrity or a common citizen, the same rules must apply."

Royals set for acid test against Delhi Capitals

On the field, the former IPL winners are set to take on Delhi on Friday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. It will be a key test for the Men in Pink as they look to build on the momentum from the last game, where they chased down the 223 runs needed to win against Punjab. 

Delhi, on the other hand, will see Mitchell Starc take the field for the first time in IPL 2026. The left-arm seamer is in India since last week. Starc’s inclusion will give the side a massive boost after their embarrassing loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.