Romi Bhinder, the team manager of Rajasthan Royals, has been fined Rs 1 lakh and given a stern warning by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for violating the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol during an IPL 2026 match. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) investigated Bhinder’s use of a mobile phone in the dugout during Rajasthan Royals’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
Bhinder provided explanations to the ACU regarding the incident, but the unit was not fully satisfied, leading to the recommendation of disciplinary action. Consequently, Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh and cautioned against future breaches of PMOA regulations during upcoming editions of the Indian Premier League. The BCCI emphasized the mandatory nature of adhering to PMOA rules and the strict consequences for any violations.
The controversy arose when television cameras captured Bhinder using a mobile phone in the dugout during the Rajasthan Royals versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. According to IPL regulations, mobile phones and communication devices are strictly prohibited in the dugout, which is part of the PMOA’s controlled environment. All players and support staff must surrender their devices before entering the area, with only limited exceptions allowed under specific circumstances.
Bhinder’s actions were deemed a breach of this protocol, leading to the intervention of the ACU for investigation. Despite no evidence of corrupt intent, the use of a phone in a restricted area is taken seriously due to the potential risks to the game’s integrity. The swift response from the BCCI highlights its zero-tolerance stance towards violations of anti-corruption protocols, emphasizing the critical need for strict compliance with PMOA regulations to maintain the sport’s integrity.
With the issue now resolved, Rajasthan Royals aim to put the controversy behind them and concentrate on their campaign in the ongoing IPL season.