IPL 2026: BCCI issues notice to RR manager Romi Bhinder over phone incident; he cites medical emergency

The BCCI have launched a formal investigation into the incident involving Rajasthan Royals' Team Manager Romi Bhinder using his mobile phone in the dugout during their match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 in Guwahati.

The incident counts as a violation of the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, which states that the team managers are permitted to use their mobile phones only in the dressing room, while use of electronic devices in the dugout is only permitted to designated analysts.

As reported by the New Indian Express, Bhinder has been served a notice by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI and a probe has been initiated. He has been asked to provide an explanation in the next 48 hours.

“We have asked the ACSU to investigate and file a report on the incident,” IPL Governing Council chairman Arun Dhumal told the publication.

A source close to the matter has stated that the Bhinder had suffered a collapsed lung, due to which he was hospitalised for a long period, and the usage of the phone was in relation to his medical emergency.

"Romi has lost more than 10 kilos due to medical issues. He has asthma as well because of which he is advised not to walk a long distance or climb stairs frequently. He is with the team and performed various roles for the franchise. Hence he knows the rules and regulations but that phone was in his possession due to medical reasons. Besides, possessing a mobile phone and a laptop in the dugout is allowed as per the protocol. The only problem was the usage but again he was not making calls or receiving any of them. He was just scrolling his phone. He has time and he will try to explain his point of view to the ACSU officials," the source said.

"We are hopeful that the ACSU officials will keep Romi's medical conditions in mind before arriving at a conclusion. The problem was he had to walk at least 50 steps before climbing around 20 steps to reach the dressing room and do the same to return to the dugout. That must have forced him to check the phone at the dugout itself," one of the above-mentioned sources added.

While the incident would have passed off without much of a commotion, 15-year-old star batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seen glancing into the phone in the viral clip. This intensified the discussions surrounding the incident.