• Source:JND
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Rajasthan Royals’ long-time team manager Romi Bhinder has landed in controversy after being caught using a phone while sitting in the team dugout alongside teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Bhinder was spotted on TV cameras using a mobile phone during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, sparking concerns over potential anti-corruption rule violations.

The incident was first shared on Instagram by a social media influencer, but it has since been confirmed that Bhinder was indeed using a mobile phone during the Royals’ six-wicket win in Guwahati.

BCCI Responds 

The BCCI has responded to the controversy. "Yes, Bhinder has indeed breached the protocol of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), as cell phones are banned in the dugout during a match," a BCCI official confirmed, according to a PTI report.

As per IPL guidelines, "The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout." Given Bhinder’s long association with the franchise, insiders believe he was expected to be fully aware of these rules.

"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 and the ACU report. Based on that, the IPL GC can take a call," the official added.

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What Next?

Under strict cricketing protocols, the use of communication devices in the dugout is prohibited to maintain the integrity of the game.

Bhinder could face closer scrutiny, especially after Sooryavanshi referred to him as his "local guardian" during the post-match presentation.

An IPL team’s dugout is considered a high-security zone to prevent any external influence on the match. Meanwhile, former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi reacted sharply to the viral clip, taking to social media to express his shock and demand accountability from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

Modi termed the incident a "complete no-no" and questioned the whereabouts of officials responsible for monitoring such breaches.

"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.

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The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit is expected to investigate the matter and submit a report, based on which the IPL Governing Council will decide Bhinder’s fate. Possible penalties range from a warning to a fine or even a temporary suspension from the dugout and dressing room.

 


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