Rajasthan Royals Official Found Guilty Of Breaching IPL Protocol. BCCI Reveals Punishment
In a reminder that rules in the Indian Premier League are taken seriously, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has been fined ₹1 lakh for violating match-day protocols during a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The incident took place during the IPL 2026 match in Guwahati, where Bhinder was found using a mobile phone inside the dugout — an area where such usage is strictly prohibited under league guidelines.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), through its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), took note of the breach and issued a show-cause notice, asking Bhinder to explain his actions within 48 hours. While he did respond on time, officials deemed his explanation unsatisfactory.
As a result, the BCCI imposed a monetary penalty and issued a formal warning, making it clear that such lapses will not be tolerated in the future.
What Went Wrong?
According to IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules, team managers are allowed to use mobile phones in the dressing room — but not in the dugout during a match. Bhinder’s action, though not seen as malicious, was described as “injudicious and indiscreet.”
Since this was his first offence, the board opted for a lighter punishment rather than stricter disciplinary action.
A Long Association with Rajasthan Royals
Romi Bhinder has been associated with the franchise since the IPL’s early days in 2008 and remains a key behind-the-scenes figure. His long-standing role in the team likely played a part in the relatively lenient punishment.
Message From the BCCI
The board has stressed that the decision should serve as a warning to all teams and officials to strictly follow anti-corruption and conduct protocols.
In a league as high-profile as the IPL, even minor breaches can raise concerns about integrity — which is why the ACSU keeps a close watch on all activities during matches.
Looking Ahead
Despite the controversy, Rajasthan Royals continue to perform well this season and remain strong contenders. However, the incident highlights how even off-field actions can come under scrutiny in modern cricket.
For Bhinder and others involved in the league, the message is clear: discipline off the field is just as important as performance on it.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
