BCCI launches probe into Rajasthan Royals manager for allegedly violating IPL 2026 protocol

The incident happened on April 10 in the second innings of the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is investigating Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder for violating the Indian Premier League (IPL) Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules.

On April 10, Romi was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout area while sitting next to Vaibhav Suryavanshi. According to IPL protocols, the use of any mobile device in the PMOA is not permitted. However, certain individuals, including team managers and doctors, are permitted to carry them.

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Earlier in the year, Sarfaraz Ahmed, mentor and team manager of the Pakistan Under-19 team, faced a similar controversy. He was seen using his phone in the PMOA area. According to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, Sarfaraz, as the team manager, is allowed to use a phone if he is using the phone for cricket-related purposes. However, IPL rules may differ.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has addressed the allegations that Bhinder breached IPL rules. The administrator stated that the BCCI will analyse the footage to see if the RR manager did anything wrong. BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has strict controls to prevent unauthorised communication.

“First of all, I would like to say that having the mobile with him is permissible under the regulations because he is the manager. So, managers and doctors are allowed to carry a mobile in the PMOA. That is number one. Second, whether he has violated any protocol or regulations under our existing IPL rules and regulations. We are trying to verify it, and we have started the process,” Saikia told Hindustan Times Digital.

“So, if anything is found to be negative, we will take action. Otherwise, having the mobile with him, there is no violation of any other regulations. That is my stand at the first stage. But we are trying to find out whether he is carrying the mobile in the designated area or beyond that. That we are trying to find out. The exercise has already started,” he added.