New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in action mode to set a precedent over the strict adherence of IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol following the mobile phone controversy involving Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match.
A huge controversy erupted when Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone while seated in the dugout during RR’s match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week. The violation of the PMOA protocol has prompted BCCI to issue a notice and launch a formal investigation, according to a report in The New Indian Express.
According to the rules, team managers are permitted to use mobile phones only in the dressing room. Only the designated team analyst has the right to use the electronic devices in the dugout.
In the top-of-the-table clash, RR claimed a comfortable six-wicket win over RCB to remain unbeaten and consolidate top spot in the points table.
Medical reason behind phone usage?
The report states that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI has launched a probe and given Bhinder 48 hours to submit an explanation to the notice served on him.
“We have asked the ACSU to investigate and file a report on the incident,” IPL Governing Council chairman Arun Dhumal told The New Indian Express.
The report further added that Bhinder may have used the phone due to a “medical emergency”. A source with knowledge of the whole issue told the media house that Bhinder’s phone use was linked to a medical emergency.
Bhinder’s troubles medical history
The RR manager has reportedly had a complex medical history, including a collapsed lung that resulted in a prolonged hospital stay in Nagpur.
“Romi has lost more than 10 kilos due to medical issues. He has asthma as well because of which he is advised not to walk a long distance or climb stairs frequently. He is with the team and performed various roles for the franchise. Hence he knows the rules and regulations but that phone was in his possession due to medical reasons. Besides, possessing a mobile phone and a laptop in the dugout is allowed as per the protocol. The only problem was the usage but again he was not making calls or receiving any of them. He was just scrolling his phone. He has time and he will try to explain his point of view to the ACSU officials,” added another source.
A former ACSU official revealed that while carrying phones due to medical reasons is allowed for the managers, it can only be used in the dressing room.
The controversy attracted more attention after young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seen glancing at the phone in the viral video.