IPL 2026 | Riyan Parag vape row: Kumar Sangakkara says 'not positive on the team'

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point after being caught using a vape inside the dressing room during the game against Punjab on Tuesday. Parag was found guilty of violating Article 2.21, which pertains to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute”.

Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma, the BCCI said in a statement, adding that it was exploring the option of further punitive action. “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 thereputation of IPL remains intact,” the release added.



Parag’s error of judgment comes less than two weeks after RR team manager Romi Bhinder was Rs 1 lakh for using his mobile phone in the team dugout.

Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara broke his silence on the string of disciplinary issues, saying, “I think it is, of course, a reflection that is not positive on the team when you have a controversy of any kind. All I can say is that both of those have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise.

“You always try to have a very positive, healthy culture. We have our own values that we adhere to. And the constant reminder to the players is to make sure that they are responsible to the franchise and to our culture and our values,” Sangakkara added.

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