The Board of Control for Cricket in India will conduct a detailed review into Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder’s alleged breach of the IPL Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) Protocol, secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Sunday (April 12).
Bhinder was caught on television cameras using a mobile phone in the team dugout during an IPL 2026 match on Friday. In the viral footage, Rajasthan Royals’ teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was also seen glancing at the screen, raising concerns over a potential violation of the league’s anti-corruption guidelines.
Possible Breach of IPL Anti-Corruption Policies
The incident is believed to be in violation of the strict regulations governing the Indian Premier League. While team managers are permitted to carry mobile phones, their usage is restricted to designated areas such as the dressing room and is strictly prohibited in the dugout during live matches.
These rules are designed to safeguard the integrity of the game by preventing any unauthorized external communication, including potential corrupt approaches from bookmakers or other illegal elements.
Addressing the matter, Saikia told TimesofIndia.com:
“Certain individuals are allowed to carry phones in the dugout and Romi Bhinder, as a manager, can carry it. But we need to thoroughly examine where exactly the event happened and whether the phone was used. We will conduct an internal examination before reaching a logical conclusion.”
No Immediate Action Taken
Saikia confirmed that the BCCI has not yet taken any disciplinary action. The matter has also not been referred to the IPL Governing Council, leaving uncertainty over Bhinder’s presence in the dugout for Rajasthan Royals’ upcoming fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Sooryavanshi, who is just 15 years old, could also come under scrutiny depending on the findings of the investigation.
“We will examine it. We can’t act on what is being said. We will see the pictures, video and whatever we can get before reaching a conclusion,” Saikia added.
Match Referee’s Report to Decide Next Steps
As per protocol, match referee Vengalil Narayanan Kutty will submit an official report, which may determine the next course of action.
Under the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code, players, officials, and support staff are bound by strict guidelines. Any breach can attract penalties ranging from fines to suspension.
All personnel are required to deposit their electronic devices before the start of a match. Team managers are permitted to use only designated devices for operational or emergency medical purposes, and their usage is closely monitored. Certain analysts are granted limited exemptions strictly for match-related data and analysis.
Protecting the Integrity of the Game
The primary objective behind restricting phone usage in sensitive areas is to prevent match-fixing, spot-fixing, and illegal betting. These measures remain central to preserving the credibility and transparency of the IPL.
With the investigation underway, the cricketing fraternity now awaits the BCCI’s final verdict on the matter.
