The BCCI’s secretary Devajit Saikia said on Friday that Romi Bhinder, the manager of the Rajasthan Royals squad, was fined one lakh rupees for using his phone in the dugout, a violation of anti-corruption laws, in addition to receiving a warning for his inadequate response to the board’s showcause notice.
The incident happened on April 10 during the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL game in Guwahati.
Bhinder was then confronted by Sharad Kumar’s BCCI anti-corruption section, which demanded an explanation.
Saikia claimed that after being dissatisfied with Bhinder’s response, the ACU declared him guilty. Phone use is permitted in the dressing room but prohibited in the dugout according to IPL Players and Match Officials Area policy.
“The team led by Sharad Kumar examined Bhinder’s response and found him guilty. His response to the notice was unsatisfactory. He was found guilty of breaching the protocol. As it is a first time offence, a one lakh fine has been imposed and a warning has been issued,” PTI quoted Saikia as saying.
During the match against RCB, Bhinder was spotted in the dugout with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi by his side, scrolling through his smartphone. According to people close to Bhinder, he has been struggling with health problems and finds it difficult to go large distances and climb stairs.
“Using phone in the dugout is a strict no no and being part of the IPL for long, I am sure Bhinder was aware of it. It could have happened inadvertently as well but the BCCI has dealt with the issue appropriately,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
According to the policy, only a small number of team members are permitted to use cell phones or other electronic communications devices in the PMOA.
“Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout. The Analyst may use his computer at the analyst table. Player and support staff items i.e. phones, smart watches or any other communication devices should be turned off and given to the team SLO for storage on arrival at the stadium.
“Accredited staff i.e. dressing room attendant, IPL Match Manager, catering staff etc may not take communication devices into the PMOA,” states IPL’s PMOA protocol for 2026.
