IPL 2026: BCCI Issues Notice to RR Manager Romi Bhinder Over Dugout Phone Use | Reports

IPL 2026: BCCI Issues Notice to RR Manager Over Dugout Phone Use | Reports

The BCCI has reportedly issued notice to RR manager Romi Bhinder over dugout phone use in IPL 2026, with ACSU probe underway and explanation sought within 48 hours.

The BCCI has initiated an investigation after Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder used a mobile phone in the dugout during the April 10 IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.

The act breaches the Players and Match Officials Area protocol, which allows phone use only inside dressing rooms. Only authorised analysts can operate electronic devices in the dugout.

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According to the reports from Indian Express, the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ASCU) has issued a notice to Bhinder and started a probe. Officials have asked him to submit a response within 48 hours.

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Meanwhile, sources close to Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder have linked the dugout phone incident to a medical condition. Bhinder reportedly suffered a collapsed lung earlier and lost more than 10 kilos during recovery. He also deals with asthma, which limits physical movement.

Officials said he would need to walk 50 steps and climb around 20 steps to reach the dressing room. This constraint likely led him to check his phone in the dugout.

“Romi has lost more than 10 kilos due to medical issues. He has asthma as well because of which he is advised not to walk a long distance or climb stairs frequently. He is with the team and performed various roles for the franchise. Hence he knows the rules and regulations but that phone was in his possession due to medical reasons. Besides, possessing a mobile phone and a laptop in the dugout is allowed as per the protocol. The only problem was the usage but again he was not making calls or receiving any of them. He was just scrolling his phone. He has time and he will try to explain his point of view to the ACSU officials,” the source said.

“We are hopeful that the ACSU officials will keep Romi’s medical conditions in mind before arriving at a conclusion. The problem was he had to walk at least 50 steps before climbing around 20 steps to reach the dressing room and do the same to return to the dugout. That must have forced him to check the phone at the dugout itself,” they added.

IPL governing council chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the ACSU will examine the incident and submit a report. The outcome will determine any further action.

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