A Rajasthan Royals (RR) support staff member was spotted using a mobile phone in the dugout during yesterday's IPL game. Here’s what the IPL protocols say on the usage of mobile phones.
RR team manager spotted using mobile phone in dugout during RCB win
The incident took place during RR’s emphatic win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show once again, hitting a 15-ball fifty and finishing with 78 off 26 to give Rajasthan a head start in the 202-run chase.
Dhruv Jurel brought up his second half-century of IPL 2026 and scored 81 from 43 deliveries to see RR through in 18 overs. The win also ensured they maintained their 100 per cent record this season, and are now the only team yet to drop points.
But during the chase, a moment in the dugout caught the attention of many. RR manager Romi Bhinder, sitting beside Sooryavanshi following the opener’s dismissal in the ninth over, was spotted using what seemed to be a mobile phone, which is not allowed as per IPL’s Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA) protocol.
IPL protocols on mobile phone usage during a match
There are clear protocols for the usage of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices in the PMOA. While only a “few members of the team” are allowed to use a mobile phone in the PMOA, including the team manager, they can only do so in the dressing room and not in the dugout.
“The Team Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout,” as per the protocol. “For players and other members of the support staff, phones, smart watches or any other communication devices should be turned off and given to the team SLO for storage on arrival at the stadium.”
“Accredited staff i.e. dressing room attendant, IPL Match Manager, catering staff etc may not take communication devices into the PMOA. Secure boxes will be available at every entrance to securely store devices,” it further reads. There is no mention of a potential penalty for breaching the PMOA protocol.
