The incident unfolded during the IPL 2026 between RR and RCB in Guwahati on Friday.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Romi Bhinder is reportedly under the BCCI investigation for breaching the IPL 2026 Anti-Corruption protocols by using a mobile phone in the team dugout.
The incident unfolded during their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday (April 10).
Television cameras captured Bhinder scrolling and typing on a mobile phone in the dugout. Sitting right next to him was RR's teenage batting prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who appeared to be glancing at the screen.
According to a PTI report, the BCCI has confirmed the breach and is investigating the footage for potential, impending disciplinary action.
"Yes, Bhinder has indeed breached the protocol of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), as cell phones are banned in the dugout during a match," a BCCI official quoted as saying by the news agency.
As per the IPL's Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, team managers are permitted to carry and use mobile phones inside the dressing room, but they are strictly prohibited from using them in the dugout. This is a fundamental security measure to prevent any external communication that could compromise the integrity of the game.
Those in the know feel that Bhinder, who has been an integral part of the RR backroom staff since the tournament's inaugural season in 2008, was expected to be fully aware of the anti-corruption protocols.
"It could be inadvertent, but there has to be some action since it amounts to a breach. Whether it will be a warning or a match ban will depend on the match referee and the ACU report. Based on that, the IPL GC can take a call," the senior board official added.
Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi highlighted the breach on social media, questioning the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officers on duty.
The BCCI ACU is probing the matter. A report will be submitted to the ACU head, based on which the penalty will be finalized.
Bhinder could face several potential penalties, including a heavy fine for the violation and a temporary suspension from the PMOA, which would ban him from the dugout and dressing room during upcoming matches.
(With PTI Inputs)