The Controversy in IPL has once again come into the spotlight after a Rajasthan Royals team official was allegedly seen using a mobile phone inside the dugout during an Indian Premier League 2026 match. The incident has raised serious questions regarding the league’s strict anti-corruption protocols, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to initiate an internal investigation.
According to reports, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was caught on television cameras using a mobile phone while sitting in the dugout during a match. The IPL rulebook clearly prohibits the use of mobile phones inside the dugout during live matches, as part of measures designed to maintain the integrity of the game and prevent any potential misuse of information.
Incident Occurred During RCB vs Rajasthan Royals Match
The controversy emerged during a high-profile IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). During the broadcast, cameras reportedly captured Romi Bhinder handling a mobile device while seated in the dugout area.
After the visuals began circulating online, the matter quickly drew attention from cricket fans and officials alike. The BCCI acknowledged the incident and confirmed that it is examining the situation carefully before drawing any conclusions.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board will verify the authenticity of the incident before deciding on any action.
He explained that the board needs to thoroughly investigate whether the incident actually occurred as reported and whether a mobile phone was indeed used in the dugout during the match. According to him, the board will rely on video footage and other available evidence before reaching a logical conclusion.
Officials emphasized that an internal review process will be carried out to determine the facts. The final decision will be based on reports from match referees, anti-corruption officials, and the available recordings from the match broadcast.
Video of the Incident Circulated on Social Media
The Controversy in IPL intensified after a video clip was reportedly shared on Instagram by a social media influencer. The video claimed to show Romi Bhinder using a mobile phone in the dugout during Rajasthan Royals’ six-wicket victory in Guwahati.
In the same clip, young Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi was seen sitting beside Bhinder. The presence of the rising young cricketer in the frame added further attention to the footage as fans began debating the situation online.
Following the viral video, cricket authorities began examining whether the alleged action constituted a breach of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, which governs conduct in restricted zones during matches.
Dugout Phone Use Strictly Prohibited
According to IPL operational rules, mobile phones are not allowed in the dugout during an ongoing match. This restriction forms part of the league’s anti-corruption framework, designed to prevent unauthorized communication that could compromise the fairness of the game.
An IPL official familiar with the rules stated that the PMOA protocol for IPL 2026 clearly outlines where electronic devices may be used. Team managers and support staff are permitted to use mobile phones inside the dressing room, but such devices are strictly prohibited in the dugout area during live play.
The official added that if the footage confirms the use of a mobile phone in the dugout, it could be considered a violation of the established protocol.
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Romi Bhinder’s Long Association With Rajasthan Royals
Romi Bhinder has been associated with Rajasthan Royals since the early years of the franchise and is considered a long-serving member of the team’s management structure. Because of his long tenure in the IPL ecosystem, many observers believe he would be fully aware of the league’s strict anti-corruption regulations.
Sources close to the matter said that Bhinder may now have to face questioning as part of the inquiry. The situation gained further attention because young player Vaibhav Suryavanshi referred to Bhinder as his “local guardian” during the post-match presentation ceremony.
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Possible Disciplinary Action
While the BCCI has not yet announced any disciplinary action, officials indicated that a violation of the protocol could lead to consequences. Depending on the findings of the investigation, Bhinder could receive anything from a formal warning to more serious penalties.
One BCCI official suggested that the act may have been unintentional, but since the IPL has strict regulations regarding communication devices, the matter cannot be ignored.
The final decision will depend on the official reports submitted by the match referee and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Based on those findings, the IPL Governing Council will determine whether any disciplinary measures are necessary.
For now, the incident continues to fuel the ongoing Controversy in IPL, highlighting how strictly cricket authorities monitor even minor protocol breaches to protect the integrity and transparency of the tournament.
