Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has been handed a fine of INR 1 lakh after he was caught using a mobile phone inside the dugout during the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on April 10. Footage from the game showed Bhinder looking at his device during the Royals’ batting spell, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him. The clip quickly spread across social media, prompting the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to issue him a show-cause notice two days later, asking for his explanation within 48 hours.
ACU action and BCCI response
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board’s ACU was not satisfied with the clarification provided by Bhinder. He confirmed that Bhinder received an official warning alongside the fine, and that the matter was treated as a protocol breach under IPL regulations.
- Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh and also received an official warning.
- The ACU had given him 48 hours to explain his conduct after a show-cause notice was issued.
- Saikia stated that, because it was Bhinder’s first breach, the punishment was a fine of INR 1 lakh plus a warning under the IPL protocols.
- Saikia added that the ACU was “not very satisfied” with the reply submitted by Bhinder.
Saikia also urged stakeholders to treat the incident as a deterrent, emphasising the importance of following match rules so that the integrity of the sport is not compromised.
What the rules say about phones in the dugout
The incident has drawn attention to the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, which restrict mobile phone use inside the dugout. Under those rules, no individual is permitted to use a phone in that zone.
- No mobile phones are allowed in the dugout area under PMOA regulations.
- Only team managers and media managers may use their devices, but even then their access is limited to the dressing room rather than the dugout.
- In Bhinder’s case, the phone use occurred during the 11th over of Rajasthan’s batting innings.
Role with the Royals and match context
Bhinder has been associated with the Royals since the franchise began its IPL journey in 2008, serving in various capacities. The senior team official is also acting as a local guardian for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After the match against RCB, Bhinder was also seen alongside Riyan Parag during the toss for the Royals’ next fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, carrying the team sheet.
Result, standout performance, and next fixture
On the field, Rajasthan successfully chased and beat RCB by six wickets, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing a key role by scoring 78 off just 26 balls. The Royals are currently placed third in the points table and are scheduled to take on Kolkata Knight Riders next on April 19 at Eden Gardens.
