Lucknow Super Giants were thrust into the spotlight for reasons beyond the cricket during their IPL 2026 fixture against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. A short segment replayed on broadcast drew attention from fans, who questioned whether proper match-day protocol had been followed.
The incident surfaced in the opening phase of the contest, in the first over. It began moments after Josh Inglis struck a boundary off Akeal Hossein on the fifth delivery. When the play was shown again on television, viewers noticed a person apparently using a mobile phone, and many suggested the activity was occurring from within the LSG dugout area. That claim quickly triggered debate across social media.
Under the IPL’s Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, the use of mobile phones and electronic devices is prohibited in defined sections. These include dressing rooms, dugouts, match viewing zones, umpire spaces, the match referee’s area, and dining facilities. The only permitted exception is the official team analyst, who may use devices within a specific designated zone.
As the clip spread online, spectators raised concerns about a potential rule breach. Still, the controversy did not escalate further once it became apparent that the person captured on camera might not have been connected to the LSG dugout. Even so, the exact spot of the individual on screen could not be independently confirmed by Times of India.
The PMOA guidance is explicit: “Mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are not allowed to be used in the PMOA.” The rule applies across the main operational zones linked to players, officials, and support staff, all under BCCI oversight during match events.
A comparable case had also been discussed earlier in the season. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone during a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. That episode came under scrutiny after images of Bhinder alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi circulated on social media while the match was underway.
