BCCI Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Action on Rajasthan Royals Manager's Dugout Phone Use
Nearly two full days have elapsed since Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was captured on live television using a mobile phone within the team's dugout during a match, a clear and serious breach of the "PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) Protocol - 2026." Despite the glaring violation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to implement any disciplinary measures, sparking widespread criticism and calls for immediate accountability.
BCCI Secretary's Response and Protocol Examination
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the controversy, stating that the board will conduct a thorough "examination of the matter" before arriving at a logical conclusion. Saikia emphasized the need to scrutinize the specific location of the incident and verify whether the phone was actively used, as certain individuals, including managers like Bhinder, are permitted to carry phones in the dugout under specific conditions.
"We need to thoroughly examine where exactly the event happened and whether the phone was used. We will conduct an internal examination before reaching a logical conclusion," Saikia told TimesofIndia.com.
When confronted with the explicit stipulation in the PMOA Code that prohibits phone usage in the dugout—a zone officially designated as part of the PMOA area—Saikia reiterated his commitment to a transparent investigation. "As I said, we will examine it. We can't act on what is being said. We will see the pictures, video and whatever we can get before reaching to the conclusion," he added.
Escalating Concerns and Calls for Immediate Action
The incident has not yet been formally presented to the IPL Governing Council (GC), raising questions about procedural delays. Compounding the severity of the situation, television footage showed player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi observing Bhinder's phone screen during Rajasthan Royals' chase, amplifying concerns over potential integrity breaches.
IPL founding chairman Lalit Modi has vocally demanded swift intervention from the GC, questioning the efficacy of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) during the match. In a social media post, Modi asserted, "Having a MOBILE PHONE IN THE DUGOUT - is a COMPLETELY A NO NO. did this really happen. I hope not. If it did. Then @IPL governing council needs to take IMMEDIATE ACTION." He further criticized, "This is COMPLETELY A NO NO. WHERE WAS ANTI CORRUPTION," in a separate communication.
Protocol Procedures and Potential Consequences
Standard match protocols require the match referee to submit a detailed report post-game, leaving it uncertain whether Bhinder's actions will be documented. Vengalil Narayanan Kutty officiated the RR vs RCB fixture in Guwahati, with two anti-corruption officers presumably monitoring proceedings.
With Rajasthan Royals scheduled to play again in just over 24 hours, pressure mounts on the BCCI to conclude its investigation before Bhinder is allowed re-entry into the PMOA. The BCCI Anti-Corruption Code, effective from March 18, 2019, extends to team officials, underscoring the gravity of the violation.
A source closely monitoring developments elaborated on the necessary steps: "The BCCI must investigate the matter thoroughly. For starters, the communication device needs to be seized and scanned. This is a serious violation and it can't be allowed to pass. Even the players sitting next to him need to be questioned and warned about the act."
The source further outlined potential sanctions, which could range from fines to match bans or more severe penalties, contingent on assessments by the match referee and ACU wing. "A manager may carry a phone but is strictly forbidden from using it in the dugout when multiple cameras track every moment. The act was aired live and it raises serious questions," the source concluded.
As the clock ticks, the BCCI has only a limited window to delve into the incident and enforce appropriate measures, with the cricketing community watching closely for a resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport.
