Rajasthan Royals Manager Fined ₹1 Lakh for Dugout Mobile Use
Romi Bhinder penalized for breaching IPL's anti-corruption protocol.
Top Summary
- What happened: Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against RCB on April 10.
- Why it matters: This highlights the BCCI's strict enforcement of anti-corruption protocols within the IPL to maintain the integrity of the game.
- What changes: Bhinder received a warning and must strictly adhere to PMOA protocols in the future. Team officials are reminded that phone use is restricted to the dressing room.
- Who is affected: Romi Bhinder and potentially other IPL team officials who may not be fully aware of the mobile phone usage restrictions.
Breach of Protocol
Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been penalized for violating the IPL's PMOA (Prevention of Matchfixing, Anti-Corruption and Security) protocol.
The BCCI fined Bhinder ₹1 lakh and issued a warning after he was caught using a mobile phone in the dugout during the Rajasthan Royals' match against RCB in Guwahati on April 10.
According to IPL rules, team officials are permitted to use mobile phones in the dressing room, but not in the dugout during matches.
Investigation and Response
The incident came to light through photographs showing Bhinder using his mobile phone in the dugout, which is a prohibited area.
"We noticed photographs of him using a mobile phone in the dugout. On April 12, the ACU issued him a notice under Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI PMOA protocols, asking for a reply within 48 hours. While he responded within the stipulated time, we were not satisfied with his explanation,"
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated.
Bhinder was issued a notice on April 12 and given 48 hours to respond, but the BCCI was not satisfied with his explanation.
Consequences and Reminder
This breach of protocol has been treated as a first-time offence under the IPL's PMOA rules.
"Since this is a first-time offence, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed under clause 7.42 (a), along with a warning to strictly adhere to the protocols going forward,"
Saikia added.
The BCCI has provided a list of items banned in the IPL dugout:
- Mobile phones & personal electronic devices
- Smart watches and communication wearables
- Laptops and tablets (team analysts exempted)
- Non-approved staff
- Unauthorized recording equipment (cameras, mics, scanners)
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Non‑approved team communications equipment (walkie-talkies allowed for player support personnel for communication)
- Betting materials/gambling-related items
- Unauthorized team apparel/commercial merchandise
- Weapons/hazardous objects
Long Association
Bhinder has been associated with the Rajasthan Royals since the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008.
Despite his long tenure, he breached protocol by using his phone outside the designated area. This serves as a reminder of the strict rules in place.
What to Watch Next
The BCCI's actions signal a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of anti-corruption protocols. Further breaches by any team official could lead to harsher penalties and increased scrutiny from the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit.