While the Rajasthan Royals have dominated the headlines this IPL 2026 season for their sheer batting might, the conversation shifted from sixes to controversy on Friday night during their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The spotlight fell squarely on RR team manager Romi Bhinder after television cameras captured him using a mobile phone while standing in the team dugout.
A video clip of Romi Bhinder appearing to type on his phone, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi standing beside him, has gone viral on social media. The incident appears to have taken place during Rajasthan Royals’ chase of 202, shortly after Vaibhav’s dismissal.
The flicker of the screen did not go unnoticed by former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi. Taking to social media, Modi wondered how the anti-corruption officers allowed the usage of mobile phones in the team dugout.
“This is COMPLETELY A NO NO. WHERE WAS ANTI CORRUPTION,” Modi wrote, sharing the video.
SERIOUS BREACH OF RULES?
As fans and pundits debate whether this was a harmless logistical check or a serious breach, the answer lies in the BCCI’s Minimum Standards for Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA). This document, shared with every franchise before the season, governs the strict no-phone policy designed to prevent any external communication that could influence the game.
According to the rules, the dugout is explicitly defined as part of the PMOA. While the regulations do offer a slight concession for a few personnel, the restrictions are surgical in their precision.
“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 IPL 2026 PMOA protocol document read.
It also says that all players and support staff are required to turn off their mobile phones and smartwatches upon arrival at the stadium, handing them over to the Team Security Liaison Officer (SLO) for storage.
Only the team analyst is permitted to use a computer at the designated analyst table for data purposes.
A PUNISHABLE OFFENCE?
The peg of this controversy rests on the technicality of location. Had Romi been using the mobile phone inside the dressing room walls, he would likely be within his rights to coordinate team logistics. However, by bringing the device into the dugout, the most visible and sensitive part of the PMOA, he appears to have stepped directly into a restricted zone.
Historically, the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has taken a zero tolerance approach to communication devices. In the eyes of the ACSU, a phone in the dugout isn’t just a minor administrative slip; it is a breach of the security perimeter designed to insulate the game from outside influence.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The two BCCI anti-corruption managers assigned to the match are expected to submit a formal report to the Head of the ACSU. If found in violation of the PMOA standards, the Rajasthan Royals manager could face a range of sanctions, from a heavy fine to a temporary suspension from the PMOA.
For the Rajasthan Royals, who have been enjoying a stellar run on the field, this off-field distraction is the last thing they need as they look to build on a stellar start.
Led by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s incredible run with the bat, the Royals are on top of the points table with four wins from as many matches. The former champions will take on SunRisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad in their next game on Monday, April 13.
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