Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has escaped a ban but been handed a fine of INR 1 lakh after he was caught using his phone inside a restricted zone during last week’s IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the penalty, with secretary Devajit Saikia stating the board found Bhinder’s explanation unsatisfactory.
The incident came to light after video footage of Bhinder using his phone in the PMOA dugout area circulated widely on social media. The BCCI responded swiftly, issuing a show-cause notice and giving him 48 hours to submit an explanation. Bhinder cited health concerns as the reason behind the breach. Both the BCCI and its Anti-Corruption Unit, however, were not convinced.
While IPL regulations do allow team managers to carry mobile phones during matches, their use is strictly prohibited in designated restricted zones such as the PMOA area. Phone usage is permitted only in spaces like the dressing room.
Speaking on the matter, Saikia laid out the sequence of events clearly. “Romi Bhinder was involved in a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under the IPL protocols. He was given 48 hours to explain his position. His explanation came, and we are not very satisfied with it. The Anti-Corruption Unit is not very satisfied with his reply. As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he was fined an amount of INR 1 lakh and also handed a warning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” he said.
Also Read:Shreyas Iyer Can Lead India in T20Is, Says Two-Time World Cup Winner Piyush Chawla
Saikia further urged all stakeholders across the league to treat the episode as a cautionary signal. “We hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by all other stakeholders, and I request everyone to follow the rules and regulations so that the game does not suffer,” he added.
With the disciplinary matter now closed, Rajasthan Royals turn their attention to their next IPL 2026 fixture a clash against Kolkata Knight Riders scheduled for Sunday, April 19, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.