The Rajasthan Royals’ team manager, Romi Bhinder, is currently under scrutiny by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the emergence of video footage showing him utilizing a mobile phone in the dugout during an IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday. The footage captured Bhinder using his phone while seated next to 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated that any decisions regarding this incident will be made once the ACSU completes its investigation. He noted, “We have instructed the ACSU to look into this issue. While managers are permitted to carry mobile phones, they are not allowed in the dugout. Such devices can be used in emergencies or for medical situations,” Dhumal explained to The Indian Express.
The image of Bhinder on his phone next to Sooryavanshi gained significant attention during the match on Friday. According to the Players Match Official Area (PMOA) regulations, this action constitutes a violation of the established protocols. The guidelines state, “The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”
The PMOA protocol for IPL 2026 specifies that “Mobile Phones and other electronic communication devices are prohibited in the PMOA except for designated team members.” Additionally, while the analyst is permitted to use a computer at their designated table, all other player and support staff devices, such as phones and smartwatches, must be switched off and secured by the team Security Liaison Officer (SLO) upon arrival at the venue.
Even accredited personnel, including dressing room attendants, IPL Match Managers, and catering staff, are prohibited from bringing communication devices into the PMOA.
Teams are informed of these regulations during their meetings with the ACSU, which allows managers to use phones solely with the understanding that these devices cannot be taken into the dugout. Many franchise managers do utilize phones within the dressing room but are advised to do so discreetly and away from cameras. Using phones in the dugout remains strictly prohibited.
The board permits phone usage in the dressing room to address emergencies, such as urgent medical matters concerning players’ families. In these cases, the manager may use their phone to communicate.
The circulating clips on social media have sparked some controversy for the Royals, who are currently enjoying a successful IPL season, having won all four of their matches to date and leading the points table, with Sooryavanshi making a significant impact in the competition.
Devendra Pandey, with years of experience covering Mumbai’s local cricket scene, offers a distinctive perspective in his reporting.
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