A big controversy around Rajasthan Royals (RR) has now taken a new turn with the BCCI announcing its decision. The Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was under the scanner after a clip from an IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) went viral on social media.
In that video, Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during the game, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sitting next to him was also looking at the screen. This raised questions because strict rules do not allow phone use in the restricted zones during matches.
The Rajasthan Royals dugout controversy and the rules
According to the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols, managers can carry phones to the dugout, but they can only use them in the dressing room.
Because of this, the matter was taken very seriously, and the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) stepped in to investigate the dugout controversy.
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The Anti-Corruption Unit sent a notice to Bhinder and asked for the explanation, and a full investigation was carried out. After checking everything and listening to his explanation, the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) decided not to take any strong action against him.
Mobile use row ends with warning and fine for Rajasthan Royals Manager
As reported by Cricbuzz, the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit has cleared Romi Bhinder, and the decision was officially communicated to the Rajasthan Royals through a letter. Bhinder has been given a warning and also fined a small amount for using the phone in the dugout.
The ACSU looked into the matter in detail and took into account Bhinder’s long experience of around 19 years in management before making the call. The investigators were reportedly satisfied with the RR team manager’s explanation, as they were “convinced his medical condition necessitated its use, so there were no severe consequences.”
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Interestingly, there has been no action taken against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, even though he was seen in the same video. The official felt that the RR opener is a “kid” and the franchise can explain the rules better to him. The BCCI official said, “No point intimidating a youngster.”
🚨 JUST IN
Cricbuzz can confirm that Rajasthan Royals’ manager Romi Bhinder has been cleared by the ACSU
A letter was sent to RR informing them of the decision
He has been warned and fined
No word on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 17, 2026
BREAKING: RR manager Romi Bhinder has been cleared, as reported by @cricbuzz . The ACSU has sent a letter informing RR of the decision which was taken considering his 19 yrs of experience. Has been warned, given a nominal fine. More vitally, no word on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
— Vijay Tagore (@vijaymirror) April 17, 2026
BCCI ACSU not very satisfied with Bhinder’s reply: Devajit Saikia
On the other hand, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) was not satisfied with Bhinder’s explanation, so he was fined ₹1 lakh and also given an official warning. However, Saikia has not also mentioned anything about Vaibhav.
Devajit Saikia was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times: “Romi Bhinder did a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under the IPL protocols. He was given 48 hours to explain his position. His explanation came, and we are not very satisfied with it. The Anti-Corruption Unit is not very satisfied with his reply.
As it is his first breach, under the protocols, he was fined an amount of INR 1 lakh and also handed a warning that he needs to be more careful in the future. We hope this incident will be taken as a deterrent by all other stakeholders, and I request everyone to follow the rules and regulations so that the game does not suffer.”