The BCCI has moved to examine an allegation of an anti-corruption protocol breach involving Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder. The matter gained traction after a video emerged showing Bhinder using his phone while seated in the team dugout during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last Friday. The incident quickly snowballed online, with even former IPL chairman Lalit Modi calling for action.
Quick facts
- BCCI has initiated an investigation into Romi Bhinder after a video surfaced of him using a phone in the dugout.
- The incident occurred during the Rajasthan Royals match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last Friday.
- Bhinder has received a notice from the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).
- He has 48 hours to reply and explain the circumstances of using the phone.
- Reports suggest the phone use may be tied to a medical concern, including a history of serious illness.
Bhinder has been served with a notice by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) as part of the BCCI’s probe. As the investigation gets underway, he has been given a strict window of 48 hours to submit his response, outlining why he was holding and using the device in the dugout area during the game.
IPL Governing Council chairman Arun Dhumal said the ACSU has been asked to look into the incident and submit a report. The comments underline that the process will focus on whether the on-field protocols were followed despite the context raised around Bhinder’s health.
One report also claimed that Bhinder’s phone usage could be connected to a health issue. The Rajasthan Royals manager has reportedly battled serious medical problems previously and was even admitted to a hospital in Nagpur for an extended period due to a collapsed lung.
While Bhinder is said to be permitted to carry his phone into the dugout for medical reasons, the contention is that he does not have the required clearance for using it while seated there. The distinction matters because league protocol typically allows possession under specific conditions, but restricts active use during match proceedings unless exemptions are properly granted.
Another account linked to Bhinder’s situation described how he has reportedly lost more than 10 kilograms due to medical issues. It also noted that he has asthma, which, according to the claim, limits activities such as frequently walking long distances or climbing stairs.
The same source said Bhinder understands the relevant rules and regulations, and argued that the phone was with him for medical reasons rather than for any breach-related intent. It further stated that having a mobile phone and a laptop in the dugout is allowed under the protocol, and that the only alleged issue was the manner of use.
The clarification offered was that he was not placing calls or answering any incoming ones; instead, the claim was that he was merely scrolling through the device. The source added that Bhinder has time to explain his position to ACSU officials and intends to put forward his point of view during the inquiry window.
Why the incident drew attention
The episode stood out for another reason: Bhinder was reportedly seated next to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals’ teenage batting sensation, in the dugout at the time the footage surfaced. The proximity to a high-profile young player added to the scrutiny once the clip circulated widely.
There were also questions raised about how Bhinder’s medical condition may have influenced his actions around match logistics. The report quoted a source suggesting ACSU officials should account for Bhinder’s health before reaching a conclusion, pointing to the effort involved in moving from the dugout to the dressing room and back.
That explanation said Bhinder had to walk at least 50 steps before climbing around 20 steps to reach the dressing area, and then repeat the same route to return to the dugout. The implication was that the physical strain may have pushed him to check the phone while remaining in the dugout, rather than making the trip repeatedly.
