Rajasthan Royals manager under fire for ‘serious’ protocol breach during RCB clash | WATCH
Guwahati: Despite a commanding performance on the field, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have found themselves at the centre of a brewing controversy after team manager Romi Bhinder was caught on camera using a mobile phone in the dugout during their match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday night.
The incident has triggered concerns over a potential breach of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, a strict set of regulations designed to maintain the integrity of the game and prevent external communication.
The Footage That Sparked the Storm
The lapse occurred during the 11th over of the Rajasthan Royals’ successful chase of 202 at the Barsapara Stadium. Live broadcast footage and subsequent viral clips showed Bhinder scrolling through his device while seated in the dugout.
What heightened the scrutiny was the presence of young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was seen sitting beside Bhinder and appearing to look at the screen while the manager operated the device.
The PMOA Protocol: What Are the Rules?
Under the 2026 PMOA Guidelines, the BCCI maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding electronic devices in the field of play. The rules specify:
- Restricted Zones: The dugout is a high-security zone where personal electronic communication is strictly prohibited.
- Managerial Exceptions: While team managers are allowed to possess a phone for logistical coordination, they are permitted to use it only within the confines of the dressing room.
- Standard Procedure: All other players and support staff must surrender their phones to a Security Liaison Officer (SLO) before the match starts.
“Where was Anti-Corruption?”
The incident caught the eye of former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, who took to social media to demand "IMMEDIATE ACTION" from the IPL Governing Council.
"This is COMPLETELY A NO NO. WHERE WAS ANTI CORRUPTION?" Modi posted on X, questioning the presence of the two BCCI Anti-Corruption managers assigned to the match.
Potential Consequences
While the Rajasthan Royals have yet to issue an official statement, IPL officials have indicated that there is "no grey area" regarding the location of the device usage. The matter is expected to be investigated by the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) and the match referee.
If found guilty of a protocol violation, sanctions could include:
- A significant financial penalty for the franchise or the individual.
- Suspension of the manager from the PMOA for the upcoming matches.
- A formal warning regarding team conduct.
Royals Undeterred on the Field
The off-field drama comes at a time when the Royals are enjoying a flawless start to their 2026 campaign. Following their 6-wicket victory over RCB, they sit at the top of the points table with four wins from four matches.
The team is scheduled to travel to Hyderabad next to face the Sunrisers on Monday, though the shadow of the "dugout phone" investigation is likely to follow them.