Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Romi Bhinder has been cleared of any wrongdoing after being seen using a mobile phone whilst sitting on the team’s dugout during Match 16 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
However, Bhinder has not been let off the hook and has been fined INR 1 lakh by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“Rajasthan Royals Team Manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, has been fined INR 1 Lakh for breaching the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols during Match 16 between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati on April 10, 2026. The breach relates to the use of a mobile phone in the team dugout, which is in contravention of Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols. Acknowledging the lapse, Mr. Bhinder admitted to the offence and offered an unconditional apology,” read the official IPL statement.
Despite carrying a mobile phone within the vicinity of the team’s dugout, which is a contentious topic surrounding anti-corruption, Bhinder was not found guilty of any malpractice. The incident was viewed in a very lenient manner, with Bhinder’s longevity in mind, having served as RR’s manager since the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, and this being a first-time offence.
Bhinder also shared his medical emergency and provided documents accounting for his lung issues, which were also taken into consideration. He did, however, admit to the offence and offered an apology.
“As this was his first breach under the prescribed protocols, a fine of INR 1 Lakh has been imposed in accordance with Article 7.42(a) of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols. He has also been warned to exercise greater care in the future and to adhere strictly to the established guidelines,” the statement continued.
BCCI osssues notice to RR manager after phone incident
RR starlet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seen next to Bhinder, but has not been included in any of the investigations.
