The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday reacted after Rajasthan Royals’ long-time team manager Romi Bhinder landed in controversy for allegedly using a mobile phone in the dugout during their IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on Friday.
While the moment initially went unnoticed during the broadcast, controversy erupted after a clip went viral on social media. It showed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside Bhinder in the dugout, glancing at the device as the manager briefly used his phone.
Speaking to PTI, a BCCI official confirmed it as a breach of the IPL’s Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol. “Yes, Bhinder has indeed breached the PMOA protocol, as mobile phones are not allowed in the dugout during a match,” the official said.
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As per the guidelines, a team manager may use a mobile phone in the dressing room area, but not in the dugout. The only individual permitted to use electronic devices in the dugout is the team analyst, and that too at a designated analyst table.
The report further stated that Bhinder, who has been with the franchise since the inaugural IPL season, is expected to be well aware of anti-corruption protocols. A senior official added that he could face disciplinary action, ranging from a warning to a possible match ban.
“It could be inadvertent, but there has to be some action since it amounts to a breach. Whether it will be a warning or a match ban will depend on the match referee’s and ACU’s reports. Based on that, the IPL Governing Council will take a call,” the official said.
Bhinder could also come under closer scrutiny after Sooryavanshi referred to him as his “local guardian” during the post-match presentation.
Earlier, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi had flagged the incident on social media, questioning the presence of anti-corruption officials. He termed it a “complete no-no” and called for swift action.
“Having a mobile phone in the dugout is a complete no-no. Did this really happen? I hope not. If it did, then the IPL governing council needs to take immediate action,” he posted.
Rajasthan Royals have not issued an official statement on the matter so far.
