RR vs RCB: Rajasthan Royals Manager Romi Bhinder Caught Using Phone in Dugout, Sparks IPL Anti-Corruption Rule Debate A viral video captured Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder using a mobile phone in the team dugout during their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, April 12, 2026. The incident, flagged by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, has raised questions about potential violations of the league’s anti-corruption protocols. The footage, shared on social media platforms, shows Bhinder handling a mobile device in the dugout area while the team was preparing for the game. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has strict rules prohibiting the use of mobile phones during matches, citing concerns over security and the integrity of the game. While the exact circumstances of Bhinder’s phone usage remain unclear, the incident has prompted discussions about the enforcement of these regulations. Lalit Modi, who has been vocal about anti-corruption measures in cricket, highlighted the breach as a potential oversight, though he did not confirm whether any formal action would be taken. The match in question was part of IPL 2026, a season that has already seen several controversies surrounding player conduct and administrative decisions. Rajasthan Royals, a franchise known for its competitive spirit, faced scrutiny over the incident, which has been widely shared on platforms like Twitter and JioHotstar. A tweet from the Indian Sports Network (@IS_Netwrk29) emphasized the rule violation, noting that the Royals were seen breaking the IPL’s mobile phone ban during the game. The IPL’s anti-corruption framework, established to prevent match-fixing and unethical behavior, includes provisions against unauthorized communication during matches.#ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #royal_challengers_bengaluru #lalit_modi #romi_bhinder
IPL 2026 Controversy: Rajasthan Royals Manager Romi Bhinder Violates PMOA Protocol by Using Phone in Dugout NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was caught using a mobile phone in the team’s dugout during their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on Friday, sparking a controversy over adherence to the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol. The incident occurred during the 11th over of the RR chase, with Bhinder using his phone while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, seated to his right, reportedly glanced at his screen. The violation has drawn attention from IPL officials and fans, with the incident now trending on social media. According to the "PMOA PROTOCOL – 2026" guidelines published by the IPL, mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are strictly regulated within the PMOA. The protocol allows team managers to carry phones but explicitly prohibits their use in the dugout. It states that phones are permitted only in the dressing room area, not in the dugout. The media manager is also allowed a phone in the PMOA, but usage is tightly controlled. Bhinder’s actions, which involved using his phone in a space where players were present, have raised questions about the enforcement of these rules. The IPL’s official statement clarifies that while managers and media managers are permitted to carry phones, their use in the PMOA is strictly defined. The protocol emphasizes that using a phone in the dugout is a serious breach, as it could expose sensitive information or distract players. An IPL official noted that Bhinder’s act of scrolling through his phone while players were nearby constitutes a clear violation, leaving no room for ambiguity.#rajasthan_royals #royal_challengers_bengaluru #romi_bhinder #pmoa_protocol #ipl_governing_council
BCCI Condemns Anti-Corruption Protocol Breach by Rajasthan Royals' Team Manager Rajasthan Royals' long-time team manager, Romi Bhinder, faces potential disciplinary action after being caught using a mobile phone in the dugout during an IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10, 2026. The incident, captured by TV cameras and later confirmed by the BCCI, violates the league's strict anti-corruption protocols, which prohibit phone use in the dugout during matches. Bhinder, who has been associated with the franchise since its inception, was spotted using his phone while sitting with teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a key player in the Royals' lineup. The BCCI confirmed the breach, stating that Bhinder violated the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol. According to the IPL 2026 guidelines, team managers are allowed to use phones in the dressing room but are explicitly barred from doing so in the dugout. A BCCI official emphasized that the incident constitutes a serious breach, noting that while it may have been inadvertent, "there has to be some action" to uphold the integrity of the sport. The exact penalty—ranging from a formal warning to a suspension from the PMOA—will depend on the findings of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) investigation. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of the dugout's role as a high-security zone, designed to prevent external influence on the game. Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi publicly questioned the absence of Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officers during the match, highlighting concerns about oversight. The BCCI's ACU is expected to conduct a thorough review of the incident, with a report submitted to the ACU head for final determination.#bcci #ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #romi_bhinder
