Rajasthan Royals Manager Caught Using Mobile Phone in IPL Dugout

Guwahati – Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder is under scrutiny from the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit after cameras caught him using a mobile phone in the team dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The incident represents a direct violation of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols designed to maintain the integrity of the Indian Premier League.

The breach occurred during the 11th over of the Rajasthan Royals chase in Guwahati. Broadcast footage showed Bhinder scrolling on his device while sitting next to player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was seen looking at the screen. Using electronic communication devices in the dugout strictly contravenes established official IPL regulations.

PMOA Protocols and Mobile Device Regulations

The PMOA protocol governs communication to prevent corruption and illegal betting activities. According to the document governing the tournament, only designated personnel may carry communication devices, and their usage areas are heavily restricted.

• Team Managers: Permitted to carry and use mobile phones inside the dressing room but are explicitly banned from using them in the dugout.
• Media Managers: Allowed restricted device access within the PMOA, subject to predefined guidelines published before the tournament.
• Players and Support Staff: Required to deposit all personal mobile phones and electronic devices with security personnel prior to entering the field, retrieving them only after the match concludes.

The PMOA encompasses multiple restricted zones requiring high security. These areas are monitored by two anti-corruption managers deployed at least 30 minutes before team arrivals.

Designated PMOA Restricted Zones

• Dressing rooms and external match viewing areas
• Dugouts and field of play
• TV and Third Umpire rooms
• Match Referee offices
• Player and match official dining facilities

Investigation and Disciplinary Action

The unauthorized use of a mobile device in the dugout triggers an automatic review by the match referee and the anti-corruption unit. Former IPL founding chairman Lalit Modi publicly commented on the incident via social media, urging the IPL Governing Council to initiate immediate disciplinary action.

An official representing the league confirmed that the rules leave no room for misinterpretation regarding device usage limits. Because a player was positioned adjacent to the screen during the scrolling, investigators are obligated to review the incident. This enforces the broader ICC anti-corruption standards mandated across franchise cricket.

Incident Summary