A controversy emerged during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after a member of the RR support staff was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout.
Romi Bhinder, who has been associated with Rajasthan Royals in different roles since the league’s first season in 2008, was spotted using his phone while sitting near young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during Friday’s match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
A controversy emerged during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after a member of the RR support staff was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout.
— Cricket Iconic (@ankanghosh335) April 11, 2026
Romi Bhinder, who has been associated with Rajasthan Royals in different roles since the league’s first season in 2008, was spotted using his phone while sitting near young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during Friday’s match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
The images quickly circulated on social media after the game, which Rajasthan Royals went on to win by six wickets.
It has been confirmed that Bhinder, who currently serves as team manager and is also the designated “local guardian” for the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi during the tournament, was using a mobile device inside the dugout during play.
READ: Where to watch HBL PSL 11 live in Pakistan, Abroad
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official said the action goes against the Players’ and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules, which strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones in dugout and dressing room restricted zones.
According to the IPL 2026 PMOA guidelines, communication devices are only allowed in designated safe areas and not in match-restricted spaces such as the dugout or field-facing zones.
“The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”
“It could be inadvertent but there has to be some action since it amounts to breach,” the BCCI official said. “Whether it will be warning or match ban will depend on match referee and ACU [anti-corruption unit] report. Based on that IPL governing council can take a call.”
No official charge has been made against Bhinder so far under the IPL code of conduct.
Despite the off-field attention, the match ended on a positive note for Rajasthan Royals.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a brilliant 78 off 26 balls, earning the Player of the Match award and moving to the top of the Orange Cap standings for most runs in the tournament.
The images quickly circulated on social media after the game, which Rajasthan Royals went on to win by six wickets.
It has been confirmed that Bhinder, who currently serves as team manager and is also the designated “local guardian” for the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi during the tournament, was using a mobile device inside the dugout during play.
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official said the action goes against the Players’ and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules, which strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones in dugout and dressing room restricted zones.
According to the IPL 2026 PMOA guidelines, communication devices are only allowed in designated safe areas and not in match-restricted spaces such as the dugout or field-facing zones.
“The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”
“It could be inadvertent but there has to be some action since it amounts to breach,” the BCCI official said. “Whether it will be warning or match ban will depend on match referee and ACU [anti-corruption unit] report. Based on that IPL governing council can take a call.”
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
No official charge has been made against Bhinder so far under the IPL code of conduct.
Despite the off-field attention, the match ended on a positive note for Rajasthan Royals.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a brilliant 78 off 26 balls, earning the Player of the Match award and moving to the top of the Orange Cap standings for most runs in the tournament.
