The BCCI is understood to be considering action against the match referee after a banned substance was allegedly taken into the dressing room without proper checks during a Rajasthan Royals game. RR skipper Riyan Parag was reportedly caught smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room while his team was in action in the Indian Premier League.
While the reports suggest there is no direct clause in the BCCI rulebook to automatically sanction Parag for vaping during the Punjab Kings match at Mullanpur, the officials overseeing match conduct could still face consequences. The key concern being raised is procedural: the substance was carried into the dressing room unchecked.
Quick facts
- Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was caught smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room during an IPL match.
- The BCCI rulebook is said to have no provision to penalise Parag for vaping during the Punjab Kings clash at Mullanpur.
- Potential punishment could instead fall on the match referee for allowing the banned item in without proper checks.
- RR’s team record: six wins and three losses, with 12 points and currently placed fourth.
- Riyan Parag’s batting output: 117 runs in nine matches (average 14.62), strike rate 124.46, top score 29.
- Key RR performers include Vaibhav Suryavanshi (400 runs in nine matches, SR above 238; one century and two fifties), Yashasvi Jaiswal (306 runs in nine matches, SR above 158; three fifties), Jofra Archer (14 wickets, average 19.50) and Nandre Burger (nine wickets, average 32.77).
- Donovan Ferreira has 182 runs in six innings (average 36.40, SR above 158) with two fifties.
Despite the off-field chatter, Rajasthan’s overall IPL campaign has been strong. The franchise has collected 12 points from nine matches—winning six and losing three—and sits fourth in the standings, keeping them well in the race for the playoffs.
However, the same cannot be said for Parag’s batting form. In nine appearances, he has managed 117 runs, averaging 14.62, striking at 124.46, with a best score of 29.
Royals’ campaign powered by others
For the team’s momentum, RR have leaned heavily on their opening duo. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been among the standout contributors, producing 400 runs across nine matches at a strike rate above 238, including a century and two half-centuries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has also delivered consistently, hitting 306 runs in the same number of games with a strike rate above 158. His tally includes three fifties, helping RR build solid starts and keep pressure on opponents.
On the bowling front, the Royals’ pace attack has carried significant weight. Jofra Archer has taken 14 wickets at an average of 19.50, while Nandre Burger has nine wickets at 32.77—numbers that underline their ability to take wickets at crucial stages.
RR have also had useful batting contributions down the order. Donovan Ferreira has scored 182 runs in six innings, maintaining an average of 36.40 and a strike rate above 158, with two fifties that have supported the team’s finishes in several matches.
Next, Rajasthan Royals are set to host the Delhi Capitals in a home fixture on Friday. The matchup will offer Parag another chance to get his bat going, while the administrative fallout from the dressing-room incident remains a talking point.
