Published on: April 14, 2026
By: CricketPe Desk
Incident Triggers Fresh Debate on IPL Dugout Protocols
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly issued a show-cause notice to Romi Bhinder, the team manager of Rajasthan Royals, over the use of a mobile phone during an IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
The notice has been sent through the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, asking Bhinder to respond within 48 hours.
📍 What Exactly Happened?
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During the match, Bhinder was allegedly seen using a mobile device outside the dressing room area, reportedly in the dugout vicinity.
While the exact location remains a grey area—he was seated near a refrigerator adjacent to the boundary enclosure—the core issue is not possession, but location and purpose of use.
📜 What Do PMOA Rules Say?
The controversy revolves around IPL’s PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) regulations, which strictly govern communication devices.
✔️ Allowed:
- Team managers can carry mobile devices
- Usage must be:
- For cricket operations, or
- For urgent personal matters (with permission)
❌ Restrictions:
- Devices are generally restricted to dressing room use
- Security officials can carry devices but:
- Must keep them on silent
- Cannot use them unless it’s a security emergency
💻 Laptop Clause:
- Managers may use laptops for:
- Logistics
- Match operations
- Personal usage = automatic breach
⚖️ Technical Breach or Misunderstanding?
This case hinges on two key questions:
- Was Bhinder inside or outside the permitted zone?
- Was the phone used for cricket-related communication?
Sources suggest Bhinder may have had medical limitations, making it difficult to return to the dressing room—something reportedly communicated to the BCCI before the season.
📲 Why Mobile Use Is Even Allowed
Post-pandemic, the BCCI relaxed rules slightly:
- Teams are allowed limited communication devices
- Official communication often happens via apps like WhatsApp
- Real-time updates from the board require accessibility
This raises a valid argument:
👉 If communication is necessary, should location rules be more flexible?
🚨 Bigger Picture: Increasing Monitoring & Discipline
This is not an isolated case.
- Rajasthan Royals have reportedly faced minor Code of Conduct issues earlier (mainly dress code)
- Other franchises have also received notices for minor violations
- However, ACSU-related matters are treated more seriously
🧠 CricketPe Insight
This situation reflects a growing tension between strict anti-corruption protocols and modern communication needs in cricket.
- IPL is becoming more digitally dependent
- But ACSU regulations remain highly restrictive
👉 Expect:
- Clearer guidelines in future seasons
- Possible designated communication zones
- More scrutiny in dugout behavior
🔚 Final Word
While this may turn out to be a technical breach rather than intentional misconduct, it has once again highlighted how even small actions in the dugout are closely monitored in modern cricket.
The final decision will depend on Bhinder’s explanation and whether his actions align with operational necessity under PMOA rules.
