IPL 2026: RR manager Romi Bhinder fined Rs 1 lakh for phone use in dugout

MUMBAI : Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and issued a warning by the BCCI for using a mobile phone in the dugout during his team’s match against RCB in Guwahati on April 10. The punishment has been treated as a first-time offence under the IPL’s PMOA (Prevention of Matchfixing, Anti-Corruption and Security) protocol, with no further action taken. As per rules, team officials are allowed to use mobile phones in the dressing room but not in the dugout.

Bhinder, who has been associated with the Royals since the inaugural season in 2008, breached protocol by using his phone outside the designated area. “We noticed photographs of him using a mobile phone in the dugout. On April 12, the ACU issued him a notice under Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI PMOA protocols, asking for a reply within 48 hours. While he responded within the stipulated time, we were not satisfied with his explanation,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told TOI.

“Since this is a first-time offence, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed under clause 7.42 (a), along with a warning to strictly adhere to the protocols going forward,” he added.

Items banned in IPL dugout:

Mobile phones & personal electronic devices, smart watches and communication wearables, laptops and tablets (team analysts exempted), non-approved staff, unauthorized recording equipment (cameras, mics, scanners), alcohol or tobacco products, non‑approved team communications equipment (walkie-talkies allowed for player support personnel for communication), betting materials/gambling-related items, unauthorized team apparel/commercial merchandise, weapons/ hazardous objects.