Royal Challengers Bengaluru: BCCI Launches Investigation into Rajasthan Royals’ Team Manager
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a formal investigation into Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder after he was spotted using a mobile phone in the dugout during the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati. The incident, captured live by TV cameras at the ACA Stadium, showed Bhinder using a device while seated next to teenaged left-handed opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was looking at the screen. The footage has since gone viral and raised concerns about potential breaches of the league’s strict anti-corruption protocols.
According to the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), a Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room area but ‘NOT’ in the dugout. Saikia confirmed to IANS on Sunday that the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is currently verifying the details of the incident and has begun its probing exercise.
“As per the PMOA regulations, certain individuals like the team manager are allowed to carry phones and Romi Bhinder, as the manager of Rajasthan Royals, can carry it. But we need to thoroughly examine whether the phone was taken to which area and whether due permission was sought,” said Saikia.
“By doing that, whether he has violated any protocol or regulations under our existing IPL rules and regulations is being verified and as I am speaking, we have already started the process. The Anti-Corruption Unit has begun the exercise to see whether he took the mobile in the designated area or beyond that. After seeing the various pieces of evidence and following the due process, they will give a report based on it,” added Saikia.
Understanding the PMOA Regulations
With RR set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, it remains to be seen if Bhinder is spotted in the PMOA area or not. Bhinder has been an integral member of RR’s backroom staff since 2008 and also serves as Sooryavanshi’s ‘local guardian’ in the IPL.
“The phone is only to be used in case of emergency. On seeing that screengrab, it looks like he must have been watching something or using Google or maybe checking any social media platform like WhatsApp or Instagram,” said a source aware of PMOA and ACU workings to IANS.
As per the tournament rules, two BCCI Anti-Corruption Managers, appointed by the Head of the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), are responsible for the management of the PMOA. Their responsibility is to ensure that proper arrangements are in place and that security personnel are fully briefed.
Potential Consequences for Violations
“If Bhinder is found to have not done anything suspicious by the ACU officers and match referee in Guwahati, then he will be let go off with a warning, or a fine of 10-20 percent could be levied on the franchise,” said a source aware of PMOA and ACU workings to IANS.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the enforcement of rules within the IPL. The league has always maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of corruption or misconduct. The BCCI’s swift response to this situation highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game.
Key Points from the Incident
- The incident occurred during the IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout, which is against the PMOA regulations.
- The BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit has initiated an investigation into the matter.
- The PMOA regulations state that a team manager can use a phone in the dressing room but not in the dugout.
- If found guilty, Bhinder could face a warning or a fine of 10-20 percent on the franchise.
- The outcome of the investigation will determine whether there were any violations of the league’s rules.
What Comes Next?
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the BCCI and the ACU to see how they handle this situation. The outcome could set a precedent for future incidents involving team officials and their compliance with the league’s rules. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the spirit of the game is upheld and that all participants adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
