Romi Bhinder, manager of the Rajasthan Royals has been called up for an investigation following a charge that he was found using a mobile phone inside the dugout during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru which took place in Guwahati on April 10.

 

Reports suggest that Bhinder was photographed using a phone within the team dugout, this is against the leagues anti-corruption policies, and therefore the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACSU) have sent out a show-cause notice to Bhinder, demanding a response within 48 hours.

 

Rules and the BCCI Investigation

 

Under the PMOA rules players and staff members involved in the game cannot have access to any electronic gadgets, especially a mobile phone within the boundaries on the field or in the dugout. The need to have mobile phones kept away is to restrict any kind of unfair play that might result in some communication taking place. Team staff are allowed to use walkie-talkies to speak to the support staff in the dugout while other members can be accessed from within the dressing room, however mobile phones are not permitted in the dugout.

 

"We will need to look into the matter to find out precisely where the incident took place and if indeed a phone was used. We have to perform internal checks before we arrive at any conclusions" stated the secretary of the BCCI, Devajit Saikia.

 

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Medical Cause cited, investigation ongoing

 

However, the ACSU had received prior information from Bhinder regarding a mobile phone necessary for him on account of his medical condition. The fact that he had been admitted in hospital for three weeks prior to the IPL was mentioned in the same report, indicating he was "not prohibited" in regard to his mobile use.

 

Though prior warning was given to the ACSU by Bhinder regarding the use of his mobile phone for a medical cause, "making or receiving calls in the dug-out is prohibited as per rules," an official stated. He also stated that Bhinder might have been taking instructions related to the logistics involved in sponsorship positioning in the dugout at the time the mobile was seen live on telecast.

 

His phone records will also be scanned and the facts of the event clarified by verifying it from him for investigation by the ACSU.

 

A seasoned official of IPL since 15-plus years when it began and closely associated with the Royals, Bhinder "was aware" of the protocol, according to an official.