New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals Manager Romi Bhandar has been let off with only a fine and a warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout in IPL 2026. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) informed the franchise of its decision after conducting a thorough investigation into the notice.Investigators were intrigued by Bhandar’s medical reasoning and how his current health condition forced him to carry and use a phone in the dugout. As for the young Vaibhav Suryavanshi sitting next to Bhandar during the act, there is no discussion about him.“The ACSU investigated, and an official communication was sent to the franchise. Bhandar received a fine and a warning for using his phone in the dugout; however, investigators believed his medical condition required his use, so no serious consequences were imposed. There was no discussion about Vaibhu Suryavanshi. He’s a kid and maybe the franchise can explain the rules to him better. There is no point in bullying a youngster,” says a senior BCCI official.According to PMOA protocol, managers can use phones in the dressing room but not in the dugout. Here’s what the protocol says:Phones
- Mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are not allowed to be used in PMOA except by a few team members.
- The team manager may use the phone in the dressing room area but not in the dugout.
Bhandar clearly violated protocol, the Indian Cricket Board and the ACSU wing were satisfied with his reasoning.Bhandar was seen. Use of mobile phones in the team dugout During his team’s IPL 2026 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week, he violated the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol by doing so.The incident happened during the 11th over of RR’s chase when Bhandar was using his phone and Vibhu Suryavanshi, seated to his right, was peering at his screen.Apart from the team manager, the media manager is allowed to have a phone in the PMOA area, but the usage is clearly defined in the protocol, which was published before the start of IPL 2026.
