IPL 2026 has delivered some of the most extraordinary batting performances in the tournament’s history. It has also delivered a steady stream of off-field incidents, on-field disputes, and code of conduct violations that have kept the BCCI busy and fans talking between matches.
From a captain being caught vaping on live television to a batter given out for one of cricket’s rarest dismissals, here is a factual account of every major IPL 2026 controversy so far.
Disclaimer: All incidents mentioned in this article are based on latest reports and news. We make no independent claims.
1. Riyan Parag Caught Vaping on Camera
On April 28, during RR’s Match 40 against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, TV cameras captured Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag using a vape, or e-cigarette, inside the dressing room. The incident caused immediate widespread reaction for a specific legal reason beyond cricket conduct.
Vaping and e-cigarettes are prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019. The BCCI confirmed that Parag was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. He was fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point. Parag admitted the offence and accepted the sanction.
The BCCI’s response went beyond the fine. The board stated it was exploring other options to initiate proceedings for more stringent action against the erring team, its officials, and players to ensure that the reputation of the IPL remains intact.
2. RR Team Manager Romi Bhinder Fined for Using Phone in Dugout
Two weeks before the Parag incident, during Match 16 between RR and RCB in Guwahati on April 10, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was captured on broadcast cameras using a mobile phone in the team dugout, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi seated beside him.
Under IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area protocol, mobile phones are not permitted in the dugout. Team managers are allowed to carry a phone but only in the dressing room, not the dugout. Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh, admitted to the offence, and offered an unconditional apology. The BCCI issued a warning that he must adhere strictly to established guidelines in future.
3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Obstructing the Field Dismissal: The Rarest Controversy in IPL History
During Match 38 between LSG and KKR in Lucknow on April 26, KKR batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi became only the fourth player in IPL history to be dismissed for obstructing the field.
Raghuvanshi had pushed the ball towards mid-on, but his partner Cameron Green sent him back. Raghuvanshi ran down the middle of the pitch before turning towards the leg side to regain his ground. The throw from Mohammed Shami hit him. The third umpire ruled that Raghuvanshi had deliberately changed his running direction, causing the ball to hit him, and gave him out under Law 37.1.1.
The decision was immediately contested. Rohan Gavaskar questioned whether intent was clear enough, Virender Sehwag raised concerns about whether it aligned with the spirit of the game, and KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar was seen in animated conversation with the fourth umpire. The MCC subsequently issued a public clarification backing the third umpire’s decision.
Raghuvanshi’s frustration at the dismissal was then compounded by a further fine. He struck the boundary cushion with his bat and threw his helmet into the dugout, earning an additional fine of 20 percent of his match fee and one demerit point for abuse of equipment.
4. Tristan Stubbs Denied Glove Change: The Incident That Led to a Double Standard Row
During Match 18 between CSK and DC in Chennai on April 11, Delhi Capitals batter Tristan Stubbs requested a change of batting gloves in the middle of an over while batting during DC’s chase of 213. The request was denied because IPL playing conditions only allow equipment changes mid-over in the case of damage.
Stubbs was dismissed shortly after. Delhi Capitals substitute fielder Nitish Rana then got into an animated argument with the fourth umpire and was subsequently fined 25 percent of his match fee for audible obscenity.
The controversy escalated the following day when Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was allowed a glove change mid-over during their match against RCB, raising immediate questions about inconsistent application of the same rule.
5. Tim David Fined for Disobeying Umpires
RCB’s Tim David was fined 25 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point after briefly refusing to hand the ball back to the umpires during Match 20 against Mumbai Indians. The act was deemed as disobeying an official’s instructions under the IPL Code of Conduct.
6. Nandre Burger Fined for Provocative Celebration
Rajasthan Royals pacer Nandre Burger received a fine after his on-field celebration following the dismissal of Rishabh Pant during Match 32 was judged to be provocative by match officials.
7. BCCI Considering Restrictions on Players’ Partners Travelling With Teams
Reports emerged that the BCCI is considering a crackdown on players’ partners travelling and staying with IPL teams, citing concerns about distraction, professionalism, and the fact that many partners have active social media presences that bring additional attention to team movements. No official policy has been announced yet, but the board’s broader concern about maintaining the IPL’s image has been a consistent theme throughout the 2026 season given the volume of incidents.
Lucky Raina is a complete cricket writer chasing corporate dreams by day and cricket stories by night. Once a promising Under 16 cricketer, life took him down a different pitch but the love for the game never left.
