The BCCI fined Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder one lakh for using a mobile phone in the Guwahati dugout during an IPL match on April ten [1][3].
The penalty matters because it underscores the league’s strict anti‑corruption stance and the importance of adhering to the Players' Monitoring and Observation Agreement (PMOA) during high‑profile matches — a core pillar of the IPL’s integrity framework [1].
The PMOA forbids any electronic communication inside the team dugout, a rule designed to prevent match‑fixing and other illicit activities [1]. By handling a phone, Bhinder violated this agreement, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to levy the fine and issue a formal warning [1]. The incident occurred during the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru game at the Guwahati stadium on April ten, 2026 [3].
The BCCI said the sanction and said the Rajasthan Royals could face harsher penalties, including higher fines or suspension of officials [1]. The board’s statement said compliance is non‑negotiable and that all team personnel must be vigilant about protocol violations [1].
Anti‑corruption measures have become increasingly prominent in the IPL, with previous incidents leading to fines, suspensions, and extensive investigations. The league’s partnership with the International Cricket Council’s Anti‑Corruption Unit ensures that any breach, even seemingly minor ones like phone usage, is taken seriously to protect the sport’s reputation [2]. This latest fine adds to a growing list of enforcement actions aimed at deterring misconduct.
Bhinder, whose full name is Ravinder Singh Bhinder but is commonly known as Romi Bhinder, accepted the fine without contesting the BCCI’s decision [1]. The episode serves as a reminder to all team officials that the anti‑corruption framework applies uniformly, and that vigilance is essential to maintain fair play in the tournament.
“The fine was one lakh.”
The enforcement action signals that the BCCI will continue to apply strict penalties for even minor infractions of anti‑corruption rules, reinforcing a zero‑tolerance policy that aims to safeguard the IPL’s credibility and deter future violations by team officials.
