IPL's Unforeseen Controversy: Mobile Phone Sparks Probe Against Royals' Manager
Investigation Launched: Romi Bhinder Under BCCI Scrutiny for Dugout Phone Use
The Rajasthan Royals' team manager, Romi Bhinder, has become the subject of an official inquiry by the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). This investigation stems from an incident during the recent IPL-2026 match between the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati, where Bhinder was reportedly seen using a mobile phone within the team's dugout.
Protocol Breach: Manager's Conduct During IPL Match Questioned by ACU
Following the incident, the BCCI's ACU has issued a formal notice to Bhinder, demanding a detailed explanation within 48 hours. The core of the issue lies in the ACU's strict regulations concerning the use of communication devices during matches. While team managers are permitted to keep their mobile phones in the dressing room, the protocol explicitly forbids their use in the dugout area.
Clarification Sought: Debajit Saikia Comments on the Fact-Finding Mission
BCCI secretary Debajit Saikia confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, "The BCCI's Anti-corruption Unit has launched an investigation into the matter. The ACU has asked Romi Bhinder for an explanation on whether he took the mobile to an undesignated area." Saikia emphasized that the primary goal is a fact-finding exercise to verify if any established protocols were indeed violated or if any infringements occurred, specifically whether the phone was present in an unauthorized zone.
Viral Footage Amplifies Concern: Opener's Glimpse at Phone Raises Eyebrows
The situation gained significant attention and scrutiny after a video clip went viral, showing Rajasthan Royals' opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi looking at Bhinder's phone while seated next to him in the dugout. This visual evidence has fueled public discussion and added weight to the ACU's inquiry, prompting further questions about adherence to sporting regulations.
