Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have come under the radar once again for all the wrong reasons, as the trouble is only getting deeper for the UP-based franchise after being knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. It has come to notice that an LSG staff member was allegedly caught using a phone during their Sunday, May 10 clash against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The incident quickly sparked massive debate on social media after television cameras briefly showed a person, believed to be associated with the LSG camp, seemingly using a mobile phone during the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Fans online were quick to question whether the alleged act violated IPL and BCCI regulations regarding electronic devices inside the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA).
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Social media erupts after alleged phone usage by LSG staff member
The controversy erupted during Chennai Super Kings’ successful run chase against Lucknow Super Giants. During the live broadcast, cameras focused on the LSG camp, where a person appearing to be a member of the support staff was allegedly seen on a phone call.
The visuals instantly went viral across multiple social media platforms, with users pointing toward possible breaches of BCCI protocol.
However, the exact identity of the individual shown on television has not been officially confirmed. It also remains unclear whether the footage was captured inside the LSG dugout or from a VIP section at the venue.
As of now, there has been no official statement from either the IPL governing council or Lucknow Super Giants regarding the incident.
According to IPL’s Player and Match Official Arena (POMA) regulations, the use of mobile phones and communication devices is heavily restricted during matches.
The BCCI protocol states:
"Mobile Phones and other electronic communications equipment are not allowed to be used in the PMOA other than for a few members of the team. The Team Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout. The Analyst may use his computer at the analyst table. Player and support staff items i.e. phones, smart watches or any other communication devices should be turned off and given to the team SLO for storage on arrival at the stadium."
The rule further adds:
"Accredited staff i.e. dressing room attendant, IPL Match Manager, catering staff etc may not take communication devices into the PMOA. Secure boxes will be available at every entrance to securely store devices."
Similar incident earlier in IPL 2026 led to fine
Notably, a similar controversy had already surfaced earlier in IPL 2026 when Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was penalised for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on April 10.
Bhinder was reportedly fined Rs 1 lakh and handed an official warning following the breach of protocol.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings eventually defeated Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in a thrilling contest. The defeat officially ended LSG’s playoff hopes and added further disappointment to an already difficult IPL 2026 campaign for the franchise.
The latest controversy has now only intensified scrutiny around the Lucknow-based side, with fans awaiting clarity over whether the IPL authorities will investigate the matter further.