IPL 2026: Is the manager of Rajasthan Royals in trouble? BCCI’s clarification on using phones in the dugout

News India Live, Digital Desk: A photo of Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has created controversy amid the strict protocols of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the viral picture, Bhinder was seen using the phone in the dugout during the match against Gujarat Titans. Since the use of communication devices in the dugout during matches is prohibited under anti-corruption rules, there were speculations that they might be banned. But now there is a new twist in this matter. What is ‘mobile controversy’ and what do the rules say? According to the anti-corruption rules of ICC and BCCI, players and support staff have to surrender their mobile phones even before the start of the match. This rule has been made to stop activities like betting and match fixing. Only authorized use of ‘walk-key-talkie’ is allowed. Why no action will be taken against Romi Bhinder? According to sources, the BCCI may take a lenient stance on this matter because: Official immunity: Team managers are often given special permission for administrative tasks and emergency communications. Logistics and emergencies: The manager’s work is not limited to sports only, but he also has to handle logistics and situations like medical emergencies, which require a phone. There may be no intention of corruption: BCCI’s initial investigation has not indicated that the phone was used for any suspicious activity. Such controversies have happened earlier also. This is not the first time that the issue of mobile in the dugout has come up. Ambati Rayudu (2020): A phone was once seen in the dugout of Mumbai Indians, which was much discussed. Chennai Super Kings: Even in the dugout of CSK, officials were found using the phone several times. Have been seen, but they often get prior permission from BCCI. Position of Rajasthan RoyalsRajasthan Royals are currently in a strong position in the points table of IPL 2026. The team management has not made any official statement on the issue, but insiders say that Bhinder was using the device only for official purposes.