RR's Romi Bhinder fined for phone breach; BCCI calls response 'unsatisfactory'

NEW DELHI: In a steadfast reminder of its zero-tolerance stance connected anti-corruption protocols, the Board of Control for Cricket successful India (BCCI) has fined Rajasthan Royals squad manager Romi Bhinder Rs 1 lakh for breaching match-day regulations during an Indian Premier League fixture.The incidental occurred during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru astatine the ACA Stadium successful Guwahati connected April 10, wherever Bhinder was recovered utilizing a mobile telephone wrong the squad dugout — a wide usurpation of the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols.IPL 2026: GT vs KKR Live ScoreACU finds effect ‘unsatisfactory’The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), headed by Sharad Kumar, had issued a showcause announcement seeking an mentation from Bhinder.

However, aft reviewing his response, the committee deemed it unsatisfactory.BCCI caput Devajit Saikia confirmed that Bhinder was recovered blameworthy of breaching protocol.“The squad led by Sharad Kumar examined Bhinder’s effect and recovered him guilty. His reply was not satisfactory,” Saikia said. “As this is simply a first-time offence, a good of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on with a warning.”Bhinder has since acknowledged the lapse and issued an unconditional apology, according to the IPL media advisory.

Strict rules, nary exceptionsThe IPL’s PMOA guidelines strictly prohibit the usage of mobile phones and different connection devices successful delicate areas similar the dugout, allowing their usage lone wrong designated dressing country spaces.As per the rules, each players and enactment unit indispensable power disconnected and deposit their devices with the team’s information liaison serviceman upon accomplishment astatine the venue. Only constricted personnel, specified arsenic analysts astatine designated stations, are permitted to usage approved devices.The breach gained attraction aft visuals showed Bhinder scrolling connected his smartphone successful the dugout, with young subordinate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated nearby.Sources indicated that Bhinder has been dealing with wellness issues, which whitethorn person contributed to the lapse, though the BCCI maintained that protocol violations cannot beryllium overlooked.“Using a telephone successful the dugout is simply a strict no-no. Given his experience, helium would person been alert of the rules. It whitethorn person been inadvertent, but the committee has handled it appropriately,” a root told PTI.