The BCCI’s anti-corruption unit has fined Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Ravindra Bhinder INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the team dugout during RR’s IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on April 10.
Bhinder, who is widely known as “Romi”, has been penalised by the ACU after the alleged breach of protocol was flagged during the game.
Quick facts
- Rajasthan Royals manager Ravindra Bhinder (Romi) fined INR 1 lakh by the BCCI anti-corruption unit.
- Reason: using a mobile phone in the dugout area during RR vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
- Date and venue: April 10, in Guwahati.
- ACU accepted Bhinder’s explanation and chose a monetary penalty.
- RR are third in the points table, with four wins from five matches this season.
ESPNcricinfo reports that Bhinder informed the ACU the breach was unintentional and offered an apology. Bhinder, who has been associated with RR since 2008, is also understood to have pointed to health issues, citing a Type 2 lung failure, in his response to the ACU.
The ACU accepted his explanation and moved ahead with a fine rather than further action.
The matter surfaced after the match when social media posts circulated pictures showing Bhinder using his phone, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated alongside him. The images were shared after RR’s game against RCB.
It has since been established that Bhinder acts as the “local guardian” for the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi during the IPL.
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said the board would be looking at video evidence before drawing any final conclusion, with a review of footage and gathering of proof flagged as part of the process.
What the IPL rules say
On the IPL’s official site, the relevant section dealing with the PMOA (Players’ and Match Officials’ Area) protocol for 2026 notes that while a team manager can use a phone in the dressing room, using one in the dugout is not allowed.
Meanwhile, RR have made a strong start to the campaign and are currently third on the points table. The franchise has won four of their five matches so far this season.
