Rajasthan Royals, who have won four consecutive matches in the Indian Premier League and currently sit at the top of the points table, have become the centre of controversy following allegations of a breach of tournament regulations during their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
The issue emerged after a video from Friday’s fixture went viral on social media. The footage, recorded during the 11th over of Rajasthan’s innings, appears to show team manager Romi Bhinder using a mobile phone while seated in the team dugout. In the same clip, young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi is seen sitting beside him and looking towards the phone screen.
The incident has drawn attention due to the strict regulations governing the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). According to the IPL PMOA protocol, the use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices is prohibited within designated restricted zones.
These restricted areas include dressing rooms, player viewing areas in front of dressing rooms, the third umpire or television replay room, the match referee’s room, dining areas for players and officials, the dugouts, and any additional zones specified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.
Under standard procedures, players and support staff are required to deposit mobile phones and smartwatches upon entering the stadium. While team management personnel may carry mobile phones into certain areas, usage within PMOA-designated zones remains prohibited. The enforcement of these rules is overseen by officials appointed under the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.
The incident has prompted criticism from former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi, who raised concerns publicly on social media. He questioned the validity of the footage and urged swift action from the IPL Governing Council if the breach is confirmed.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Venue | Guwahati |
| Time of Incident | 11th over of Rajasthan innings |
| Individual Seen Using Phone | Romi Bhinder (Team Manager) |
| Additional Observation | Vaibhav Suryavanshi seen looking at phone screen |
| Regulation Concerned | PMOA protocol restricting electronic device usage |
| Oversight Body | BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit |
| Current Status | Reportedly under review |
Rajasthan Royals have not issued any official statement regarding the matter so far. the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption officials are examining the incident. If the allegation is proven, disciplinary action could include financial penalties or other sanctions against the concerned team official.