Following a thorough investigation by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been issued a fine and a formal warning for using a mobile phone within the dugout, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Sports Tak.
Rs 1 lakh fine for RR manager Romi Bhinder
The decision comes after the ACSU reviewed Bhinder’s response to a show-cause notice regarding the incident. Investigators ultimately accepted his explanation, noting that a specific medical condition necessitated the use of the device at that time.
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The inquiry focused strictly on Bhinder’s actions, with no formal discussion or disciplinary action taken regarding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the young player who was seated next to the manager when the phone was in use. While the breach was confirmed, the board and the ACSU wing expressed satisfaction with the context provided, leading to a more lenient penalty than might otherwise be expected for a protocol violation.
"BCCI’s ACU had asked explanation from Romi bhinder that why he was carrying phone. He explained it but ACU was not fully satisfied hence he has been directed to pay Rs 1 lakh fine as punishment and also he has been given warning to not to repeat such thing in future IPL’s rule is important to follow without failure," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sports Tak.
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What do the PMOA protocols say?
The Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols prohibits the use of mobile phones and electronic communication equipment by most personnel. While team managers are permitted to use phones within the privacy of the dressing room for administrative duties, the regulations strictly forbid their use in the dugout.
Bhinder has been a mainstay within the Rajasthan Royals organization since the league's inception in 2008, serving the franchise in various capacities over the years. Beyond his official administrative duties, the senior official currently plays a vital personal role as the local guardian for the team's 15-year-old prodigy, Sooryavanshi.