BCCI Cracks Down on Romi Bhinder; ACU ‘Unsatisfied’ with RR Manager’s Explanation for Protocol Breach

Romi Bhinder, team manager of Rajasthan Royals, has been fined ₹1 lakh for violating protocol by using a mobile phone inside the dugout during an Indian Premier League 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Barsapara Stadium on April 10.

During Rajasthan’s batting innings, cameras captured Bhinder looking at his phone while seated next to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The footage quickly went viral, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to issue a show-cause notice, giving him 48 hours to respond.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Bhinder’s explanation was deemed unsatisfactory. As a result, the ACU imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh and issued a formal warning.

“Romi Bhinder was involved in a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under IPL protocols and given 48 hours to explain. We are not very satisfied with his reply. Since this is his first breach, he has been fined and warned to be more careful in the future,” Saikia said.

He added that the board hopes the incident serves as a deterrent, urging all stakeholders to strictly follow rules to protect the integrity of the game.

Under Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, mobile phone usage is strictly prohibited in the dugout. Even team and media managers are only permitted to use devices inside the dressing room, not during play. Bhinder’s violation reportedly occurred during the 11th over of Rajasthan’s innings.

Bhinder has been associated with the Royals since the league’s inception in 2008 and also serves as a local guardian for the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi. He was later seen with Riyan Parag during the toss in their subsequent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

On the field, Rajasthan secured a six-wicket win over Bengaluru, powered by Sooryavanshi’s explosive 78 off just 26 balls. The Royals currently sit third on the points table and will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19 at Eden Gardens.