After days of deliberation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fined Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder ₹1 lakh for breaching IPL dugout protocols during their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The incident took place during the IPL 2026 match at the ACA Stadium on April 10, where Bhinder was seen carrying and using a mobile phone inside the dugout, an act prohibited under league regulations.
The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) took note of the violation and issued a show-cause notice on April 12, seeking an explanation within 48 hours.
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BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Bhinder’s response was reviewed but found to be unsatisfactory, prompting disciplinary action.
“This violation occurred during the match in Guwahati, where our anti-corruption unit observed Bhinder carrying a mobile phone into the dugout area. While he may have a phone, it is not permitted in the dugout,” Saikia said.
“He was issued a notice and responded within the stipulated time. However, his explanation was not satisfactory. Considering this was his first offence under IPL PMOA protocols, the unit imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh and issued a warning against any future violations.”
As per the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) guidelines, team managers are allowed to use mobile phones inside the dressing room, but not in the dugout.
Bhinder, who has been associated with Rajasthan Royals since the league’s inception in 2008, was also part of the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant during the franchise’s suspension in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
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Saikia added that the board hopes the incident will serve as a deterrent for all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the IPL’s anti-corruption protocols.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, winners of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, are currently placed third in the IPL 2026 standings and will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.