Rajasthan Royals Manager Faces Scrutiny Over Phone Use During IPL Match
Published: 5 September 2026 | Author: Romi Bhinder
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Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was filmed using a smartphone in the dugout on 13 May 2024.
- The BCCI issued a showcause notice under Article 12.4 of the IPL anti‑corruption code.
- Potential penalties include fines up to ₹5 crore and multi‑match suspensions.
- Stakeholders are calling for uniform, stricter dugout‑device policies across all IPL franchises.
- Proposed reforms include device‑free zones, real‑time monitoring, and clearer disciplinary guidelines.
Background of the Incident
During the high‑stakes clash between the Rajasthan Royals and the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on 13 May 2024, a freelance photographer captured a startling moment: manager Romi Bhinder holding a smartphone inside the dugout while the match was in progress. The photographer’s image quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking a debate about the integrity of the IPL’s anti‑corruption framework and the permissible use of electronic devices by team officials.
According to the IPL’s anti‑corruption code, any communication device used within the team’s designated areas must be pre‑approved and logged. The code is designed to prevent the leakage of sensitive match‑related information to betting syndicates. While players have been regularly reminded of these rules, officials — particularly managers and coaches — have historically operated under a more ambiguous set of guidelines.
The photograph showed Bhinder holding his phone with the screen visibly illuminated, suggesting active usage rather than a quick glance. BCCI officials, upon reviewing the footage, concluded that the breach warranted a formal inquiry under Article 12.4, which specifically addresses “unauthorized communication and device usage in restricted zones.”
BCCI’s Immediate Response
Within 48 hours of the incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a showcause notice to the Rajasthan Royals franchise. The notice demanded a detailed written explanation from Bhinder, the franchise, and the team’s senior management regarding: (a) the purpose of the phone use, (b) any communications made during the match, and (c) the steps the franchise intends to take to prevent a recurrence.
The BCCI also reminded all participating teams that the anti‑corruption code is “living legislation,” meaning that penalties can be escalated if the governing body deems the breach severe enough. Potential sanctions, as outlined in the code, include:
- Fines ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, depending on the nature of the violation.
- A suspension period of one to three matches for the individual official.
- In extreme cases, a permanent ban from holding any official capacity in BCCI‑sanctioned events.
Stakeholder Reactions
Reactions poured in from across the cricketing ecosystem. Former players, commentators, and even rival franchise owners weighed in on social media and in press briefings. The consensus was clear: while the incident may appear minor on the surface, it highlights a systemic inconsistency in how the anti‑corruption code is enforced among players versus officials.
Former Indian cricketer and now commentator Sunil Gavaskar stated, “If a player is caught with a phone and faces immediate suspension, the same cannot be said for a manager. The BCCI must ensure parity.” Similarly, the IPL’s Players’ Association released a statement urging the governing body to “standardize device‑free zones and introduce real‑time monitoring technology for all team personnel, not just players.”
Comparative Analysis: Past Breaches and Their Outcomes
To understand the potential ramifications of Bhinder’s alleged breach, it is useful to review previous incidents involving electronic devices:
| Year | Individual | Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Kieron Pollard (Rajasthan Royals) | Unauthorized use of a smartwatch during a match | ₹1 crore fine, 1‑match suspension |
