IPL 2026: Will Rajasthan Royals take action against Riyan Parag? Kumar Sangakkara is in no mood to leave the captain, head coach now breaks silence on vaping scandal

New Delhi: Under the leadership of Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals team made a great start in IPL 2026. The team remains strongly in the race to qualify for the playoffs. However, the team continues to be in the headlines due to controversies outside the field. Earlier, team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during the match. A few days later, a big controversy arose when captain Riyan Parag was seen vaping i.e. smoking e-cigarette in the dressing room during the match against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.

BCCI also took this whole matter seriously and gave Riyan Parag 25 percent match fee along with one demerit point. However, despite this, the team’s head coach Kumar Sangakkara is not happy. He believes that such controversies have adversely affected the atmosphere of the team and has also given a big statement regarding captain Riyan Parag.

Kumar Sangakkara is in no mood to leave the captain

Hours after BCCI’s decision, head coach Kumar Sangakkara issued a strong statement. He said that the recent controversies have not benefited the team and said that Rajasthan Royals have also taken cognizance of the vaping issue. In such a situation, the question is arising whether any action will be taken by the franchise against Riyan Parag or not.

“Such controversies are not positive for the team. All I can say is that both the BCCI and the franchises have discussed these issues. It is a reminder to the players that they have to maintain a good team environment,” Sangakkara said in the press conference before the match against Delhi Capitals.

Action may also be taken against franchisees

Although BCCI did not ban Ryan, the board is also considering taking strict action against the Rajasthan Royals franchise and its officials so that the reputation and dignity of the IPL is maintained. The BCCI is also considering other options to initiate strict action against the erring team, its officials and players to ensure that the image of the IPL is not harmed.