RR manager breaches PMOA protocol by using mobile phone in dugout during RR vs RCB clash in IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have started the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with four successive victories to be at the top of the points table as they completed a vital win against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. They have displayed a superb all-round performance so far in the competition. 

Meanwhile, in the batting department, they have benefited from the top three of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, who stand among the top three run-getters of the IPL 2026. Ravi Bishnoi is the leading wicket-taker of the event, having handled the middle overs. 

RR manager violates IPL 2026 protocol by using mobile phone

RR have found themselves in trouble after their manager, Romi Bhinder, was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during the 11th over of their chase. Sooryavanshi, already dismissed by then, was sitting beside him and was seen to be glancing at the screen. 

The clip went viral around the social media platforms, with the fans flagging a potential breach of the IPL protocol, while a few have sparked the major controversy of a match-fixing allegation cloud.

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The IPL’s players and the match officials are subject to the PMOA rules, which are quite clear and strict. While certain personnel, including the team manager, are allowed to use the mobile phones, there is a strict regulation that the usage is allowed only in the dressing room, but not in the dugout.

Moreover, for the players and the support staff, the rules are even stricter. The devices have to be switched off and handed in a bag upon arrival in the stadium. Only the designated analyst can use a computer at a specific station for the match-related data.

IPL authority to review RR manager’s breach of protocol

The incident is now anticipated to be reviewed by the match referee and the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU). While the rule doesn’t outline the penalties for such a breach of the rule, the consequences could range from a financial fine to stricter sanctions, including a potential suspension from the match-day routines.

The cameras have found the person using the phone in the dugout and not in the dressing room. It’s a different game altogether. Rajasthan, meanwhile, plays its next game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 13 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.