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IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder 'warned and fined' for using phone in dugout
TL;DR
Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined and warned for using a mobile phone in the dugout during IPL 2026. The BCCI's investigation accepted his medical reasoning for the phone usage, resulting in no severe penalties.
Key points
- Romi Bhinder fined and warned for phone use in dugout
- BCCI accepted medical reasoning for phone usage
- No severe consequences due to health condition
- Phone use allowed in dressing room, not in dugout
- Investigation did not involve Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Mentioned in this story
Board of Control for Cricket in IndiaRomi BhinderVaibhav Sooryavanshi
Rajasthan Royals
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been let off with just a fine and a warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout in IPL 2026. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) communicated its decision to the franchise after thoroughly investigating Bhinder's response to the show-cause notice.
The investigators were convinced by Bhinder's medical reasoning and how his current health condition forced him to keep and use the phone in the dugout. Regarding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngster seated next to Bhinder during the act, there was no discussion about him.
"The ACSU conducted the investigation, and a formal communication has been sent to the franchise. Bhinder received a fine and a warning for using his phone in the dugout; however, investigators were convinced his medical condition necessitated its use, so there were no severe consequences. There was no discussion about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He is a kid and may be the franchise can explain the rules better to him. No point intimidating a youngster," says a senior BCCI official.
According to the PMOA Protocol, managers may use phones in the dressing room but not in the dugout.
Here's what the protocol says:
PHONES
- Mobile Phones and other electronic communications equipment are not allowed to be used in the PMOA other than for a few members of the team.
- The Team Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout
While Bhinder clearly violated the protocol, the Indian cricket board and the ACSU wing were satisfied with the reasoning.
Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone in the team's dugout during his team's IPL 2026 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week, violating the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol by doing so.
The incident occurred during the 11th over of the RR chase when Bhinder was using his phone and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, sitting to his right, was peeping at his screen.
Besides the team manager, the media manager is allowed to have a phone in the PMOA area, but usage is clearly defined in the protocol, which was published before IPL 2026 got underway
Q&A
Why was Romi Bhinder fined in IPL 2026?
Romi Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone in the dugout, which is against IPL rules, although his medical condition was taken into account.
What are the rules regarding phone usage in IPL dugouts?
According to the PMOA Protocol, managers are allowed to use phones in the dressing room but not in the dugout.
What was the outcome of the investigation into Bhinder's phone usage?
The investigation concluded with Bhinder receiving a fine and a warning, as his medical condition justified the phone's use in the dugout.
