Protocol breach? RR manager’s dugout phone use draws attention

A quiet victory for Rajasthan Royals has unexpectedly turned into a talking point off the field, after team manager Romi Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone inside the dugout , a clear violation of established anti-corruption protocols .

The incident came to light during the Royals’ six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati, when television cameras captured Bhinder with a phone in hand. What initially surfaced as a social media clip has since been confirmed by officials, bringing the matter under scrutiny.

As per the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules , mobile phone usage is strictly prohibited in the dugout during matches. While team managers are permitted to use phones in the dressing room , stepping into restricted zones with a device raises serious concerns linked to match integrity and anti-corruption safeguards.

Officials within the Board of Control for Cricket in India have acknowledged the breach, stating that action could range from a warning to a potential suspension , depending on the match referee’s report and inputs from the Anti-Corruption Unit .

Adding an interesting layer, young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi , seated beside Bhinder, recently referred to him as his “local guardian,” drawing further attention to the episode.

While the breach may have been inadvertent, it underscores the IPL’s zero-tolerance stance on protocol violations.