New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals Manager Romi Bhandar was spotted using a mobile phone in the team’s dugout during his team’s game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on Friday, violating 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.
As per “PMOA Protocol – 2026” published on IPLOn the official website, the manager may carry a phone, but is not allowed to use it in the dugout. Here is what the protocol says:PhonesMobile 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.In addition to the team manager, the media manager is allowed to have a phone in the PMOA area, but usage is clearly defined in the protocol, which was published before the start of the tournament. Bhandar may face trouble for the act and may be summoned by the match referee and the Anti-Corruption Unit. The incident has now gone viral on social media timelines, and it remains to be seen how the IPL Governing Council deals with it. An IPL official said, “Managers and media managers carry phones with them but the rules regarding its use are very clear. Using it in the dugout is a grave mistake as Romi was sitting with players who were looking at his screen while scrolling. There is no gray area and it is now up to the authorities to investigate the matter.”IPL founding chairman Lalit Modi also posted on X regarding the incident, urging the governing council to take “immediate action”.Dressing rooms, players’ outdoor match viewing areas, TV/third umpire area, match referee’s room, players’ and match officials’ dining areas, dugouts, any other area identified by the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Manager are part of the PMOA, and two BCCI Anti-Corruption Managers are appointed by BCCI Anti-Corruption. And the Security Unit (ACSU) is responsible for ensuring proper arrangements at least 30 minutes prior to the arrival of the teams. Before entering the field, players and support staff hand in their phones and get them back only after the game is over. Only a few team members are allowed to use phones or other communication devices, but usage guidelines are clearly stated in the PMOA protocol document.
