Rajasthan Royals' long-time team manager Romi Bhinder has come under controversy after TV cameras showed him using a mobile phone in the team dugout during their IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The incident first came to light through a video shared on Instagram by a social media influencer. It was later confirmed that Bhinder was indeed using a phone while sitting next to young player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Rajasthan Royals’ six-wicket win in Guwahati on Friday.
"Yes, Bhinder has breached the protocol of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), as mobile phones are not allowed in the dugout during a match," a BCCI official confirmed.
According to the IPL’s official website, the PMOA rules for 2026 clearly state: "The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout."
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What will BCCI decide?
Those familiar with the matter believe Bhinder, who has been with the franchise since the beginning, should have been fully aware of these anti-corruption rules.
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"It may have been a mistake, but since it is a breach, some action has to be taken. Whether it will be just a warning or a match ban depends on the match referee’s report and the ACU findings. After that, the IPL Governing Council will decide," the senior official said.
Bhinder could face even more attention in the coming days, especially after Sooryavanshi referred to him as his "local guardian" during the post-match presentation.
What will be the punishment?
Determining the penalty: The final decision will be taken by the IPL Governing Council after reviewing the report from the Match Referee and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
Specific consequences: The punishment could be a heavy fine or even a temporary suspension, which may stop him from entering the dugout or dressing room during upcoming matches.