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BCCI Faces Backlash For Not Imposing Ban on RR Captain Riyan Parag For Vaping During IPL 2026 Match: 'Not a Punishment...'

Ankit Banerjee | April 30, 2026 7:58 PM CST

Riyan Parag Vaping Controversy: The Board of Control of Cricket slapped a hefty fine on Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag for vaping in the dressing-room during a match. The question is, has Parag escaped a ban? Is the punishment good enough to set the benchmark? Some reckon BCCI's double standard has been exposed again.

It is simple, if vaping is illegal in India, how did the device even get into a high-security Bio-Bubble or a controlled team environment? Also, it is clear that a 25 per cent fine sends the wrong signal to the youngsters aspiring to make a career in cricket. Let's get it straight, talent may give you a platform but it is the discipline that keeps you there.

No Ban, Just Fine

Ban and sack captain Riyan Parag from RR.

He’s accused of vaping during a live telecast and if a captain is seen doing that in the dressing room, what message does it send to the youngsters around him? And Vaibhav Suryavanshi is just 15 years old kid.
— SARPANCH (@ElevateUrMind4) April 30, 2026

BCCI cuts 25–50% match fees for aggressive celebrations after a win but when Riyan Parag is seen allegedly vaping in the dressing room on live telecast, where is the action? Why this silence? Why this favoritism? Remove him as RR's Captaincy and give at least a two-season ban.
— SARPANCH (@ElevateUrMind4) April 30, 2026

The BCCI only fined 25% of the match fee and didn't ban Riyan Parag for any matches.

RR fans and management - pic.twitter.com/0rNKJvG1sm
— Sarle Lyt ? (@Edaina_sare) April 30, 2026

Riyan Parag no ban only 25% fine#riyanparag pic.twitter.com/GiL6w71J32
— Sports_store (@World_tak_777) April 30, 2026

Royals Set to Make Playoff?

The Rajasthan side have been in very good form this season and a big reason for that is the explosive batting of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at the top of the order. With six wins in nine games, Rajasthan are currently fourth in the points table and look good to make the playoff. Rajasthan would take on Delhi Capitals in their next game on May 1. Given their form, Rajasthan would start hot favourites.