A controversy arose when Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during an IPL match. The incident occurred during the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati and was captured live on TV cameras. This raised concerns about a possible breach of the league’s anti-corruption protocols.
According to the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules, a team manager is allowed to use a phone in the dressing room area but not in the dugout. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a formal investigation into the matter.
Reports suggest that Romi Bhinder had the phone due to medical reasons as a precautionary measure. He had previously experienced collapsed lungs and had been on a ventilator for nearly a week, followed by a three-week stay in the ICU.
The New Indian Express report quoted a source explaining that Bhinder was aware of the rules but had the phone for medical purposes. While having a mobile phone and laptop in the dugout is allowed, the issue was with its usage. Bhinder was not making or receiving calls but was seen scrolling through his phone. He plans to clarify his actions to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officials.
Tournament regulations state that two BCCI Anti-Corruption Managers oversee the PMOA to ensure proper arrangements and security measures. As Rajasthan Royals prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, the focus remains on whether Bhinder will be seen in the PMOA area. Bhinder, a long-standing member of RR’s staff, also acts as a ‘local guardian’ for player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the IPL.
