Rajasthan Royals Manager Romi Bhinder Under BCCI Investigation

Rajasthan Royals Manager  Romi Bhinder with Vaibhav Suryavansi | Image via X/Fanpage

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has witnessed a significant off-field controversy involving the Rajasthan Royals franchise. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially intervened after team manager Romi Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone in the dugout during a high-stakes match. Confirmed by Cricbuzz, the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has served a show-cause notice to the franchise official, providing a 48-hour window to submit a formal explanation regarding his actions. The incident has sparked extensive debates regarding stringent compliance with the tournament's integrity guidelines.

The Dugout Incident During RR vs RCB Clash

The situation unfolded during an encounter between the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. During the 11th over of the Rajasthan run chase, live television broadcast cameras focused on the team dugout, revealing Bhinder actively operating a mobile device. Adding layers to the scrutiny, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seated directly beside him, seemingly glancing toward the illuminated screen.

The visuals quickly gained traction across social media platforms, prompting immediate reactions from cricket analysts. Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi took to social media to highlight the breach, demanding immediate intervention by the governing council to maintain the tournament's operational transparency.

Find Below The Official Confirmation by Cricbuzz

Understanding the PMOA Protocol and Communication Rules

To maintain the highest standards of fairness, the IPL enforces robust security measures. The controversy centers entirely on the specific guidelines outlined in the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) manual.

The governing council's precise directives for communication devices include:

• Restricted Dugout Access: While team managers are allowed to possess mobile phones, their active usage is strictly confined to the dressing room. Operating a phone in the dugout is a direct violation of the rules.

• Designated Electronic Usage: Only the officially appointed team analyst is permitted to use a laptop or electronic device at a designated table for real-time match data processing.

• Device Surrender Policy: Players and support staff are required to turn off their smartwatches, phones, and other communication gadgets, handing them over to the Team Security Liaison Officer upon arriving at the venue.

• Authorized Purposes Only: Even within the dressing room, communication devices must only be used for urgent logistical coordination or severe personal emergencies.

Medical Angle and Potential Consequences

As the ACSU investigates the matter, reports have surfaced suggesting a potential medical justification for the breach. Sources indicate that the Rajasthan Royals manager suffers from a severe respiratory condition, including asthma and a history of collapsed lungs. It is understood that he might have sought prior clearance from the BCCI to keep a communication device nearby due to these critical health vulnerabilities, which restrict his mobility between the dugout and the dressing room.