IPL 2026: After Riyan Parag's vaping row, BCCI warns teams - 'Maintain some decorum'
TL;DR
The BCCI has warned IPL teams of stricter actions for rule violations in the 2026 season, following controversies involving Rajasthan Royals. Team manager and captain faced fines for misconduct, prompting a review of team protocols.
Key points
- BCCI warns IPL teams of stricter actions for rule violations
- Rajasthan Royals faced fines for misconduct this season
- Team manager fined Rs 1 lakh for using a mobile phone
- Captain Riyan Parag fined 25% of match fee for vaping
- BCCI reviewing protocols to maintain league decorum
Mentioned in this story
NEW DELHI: The BCCI has warned IPL teams that stricter action could follow if franchises continue to break rules during the 2026 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is reviewing protocols and may introduce stronger measures against teams that damage the league’s image.
The warning comes after Rajasthan Royals faced two separate controversies this season. Team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh after he was seen using a mobile phone near the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Later, captain Riyan Parag was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during a game against Punjab Kings.
“We are exploring some other options about how to bring the teams which are violating the norms,” Saikia said, as quoted by news agency ANI. “We will be taking some action. We are looking at the various terms and conditions and protocols of IPL [around] how the teams behave.”
Saikia stressed that maintaining discipline is not only the responsibility of players but also team officials and franchises as a whole.
“It is not just players or officials. As a team, they have to maintain some decorum so that the image of the IPL is never adversely affected. To ensure that we have to take a call and we will be taking some action,” he added.
Bhinder had reportedly apologised to the BCCI anti-corruption unit and said the phone usage near the dugout was accidental.
Sangakkara says issues have been addressed
Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara also reacted to the controversies, admitting that such incidents reflect poorly on the franchise but insisted the team has already dealt with the matter internally.
“I think it is, of course, a reflection that is not positive on the team, a controversy of any kind,” Sangakkara said. “And the constant reminder to the players is to make sure they're responsible to the franchise and to our culture and our values.”
Q&A
What actions did the BCCI take against Rajasthan Royals for rule violations?
The BCCI fined team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder Rs 1 lakh and captain Riyan Parag 25% of his match fee for misconduct.
Why is the BCCI reviewing protocols for IPL teams in 2026?
The review is in response to ongoing rule violations that could damage the league's image, prompting potential stricter measures.
What specific incidents led to the BCCI's warning to IPL teams?
The warning followed two incidents involving Rajasthan Royals: a manager using a mobile phone near the dugout and the captain vaping in the dressing room.
