Romi Bhinder was caught using a mobile phone in the dugout during RR vs RCB clash on April 10.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Romi Bhinder recently came under BCCI investigation for using a mobile phone in the team dugout.
During RR’s IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati on April 10, cameras captured Bhinder scrolling and typing on a mobile phone in the dugout. Sitting right next to him was teenage batting prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who appeared to be glancing at the screen.
Subsequently, Bhinder was served a notice and asked to explain the situation to BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).
Now, a report published in Cricbuzz suggests that Bhinder is likely to escape serious sanctions like suspension or ban despite the protocol breach.
The BCCI's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit is taking a lenient view due to the team manager's health condition, with report indicating that no malicious intent or serious anti-corruption code breach was found.
According to the report, Romi Bhinder is likely to face a light sanction - a warning, fine or just a rap on the knuckles.
"He also appears to have serious health issues. The ACSU will take the final call, but on the face of it, this does not seem to be a major violation," Cricbuzz quoted a BCCI source as saying.
The manager has responded to the BCCI show-cause notice within the required timeframe, providing medical records as context for the lapse.
Bhinder had reportedly responded to the BCCI notice within 48 hours, providing medical records as context for the lapse. The manager cited severe health struggles, with reports claiming he previously had a lung collapse, having already informed the BCCI of his condition.
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.
While technically a breach, a lenient view is being taken by the ACSU in Romi Bhinder’s case due to his medical condition.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)