The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a show-cause notice to Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder for allegedly violating communication device regulations during an Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.
As per IPL guidelines, team managers are allowed to carry mobile devices within the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA), but usage is strictly limited to the dressing room and only for cricket-related operations or urgent personal matters with prior approval.
However, Bhinder was allegedly seen using his phone in the dugout area, seated near the players' boundary-side enclosure. Whether this location qualifies as a permitted zone remains subject to interpretation under the rules.
The league's regulations impose strict controls on electronic devices within the PMOA. While certain officials, including team security personnel, may carry phones, they must remain on silent mode and be used only during emergencies. Team managers are also allowed to use laptops or similar devices, but strictly for administrative or match-related purposes.
A clause in the guidelines clearly states that any personal use of such devices would be considered a breach of the code of conduct.
Despite the apparent violation, there are mitigating circumstances under review, according to multiple reports. Bhinder, who recently recovered from a serious lung illness, reportedly faced difficulty in frequently accessing the dressing room due to health concerns. It is understood that he had informed the BCCI about his condition prior to the season.
Additionally, since the COVID-19 pandemic, limited use of communication devices has been permitted to facilitate coordination among team officials, often through messaging platforms like WhatsApp. This has led to arguments that such devices are essential for real-time communication during matches.
Edited by : Mary Rose Baba