The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a show-cause notice to Rajasthan Royals following an incident in which team manager Romy Pinder used a mobile phone in the dugout during their IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
As per the IPL regulations, carrying a mobile phone inside the dugout is strictly prohibited under the protocol enforced by BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).
A viral clip emerged on social media to show Rajasthan player Vaibhav Suryavanshi looking at Pindar’s phone during the game.
According to the IPL’s Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules, the use of mobile phones is allowed only in the dressing room. While the team manager is allowed to carry a phone into the area, only the team analyst may use electronic devices during play.
BCCI has now taken cognizance of this violation and sent a formal notice to the Royals management.
The governing body is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the use of Pinder’s device. BCCI official Devajit Saigia said that while some people, including team managers, are allowed to have phones, the protocol expressly prohibits their use in the dugout.
“We have to thoroughly investigate where exactly the incident took place and whether the phone was actually used,” Saikia said. He stressed the importance of gathering all available evidence, including images and video footage, before coming to a conclusion.
IPL president Arun Dhumal confirmed that the ACSU would investigate and submit a report.
“We have asked the ACSU to investigate the incident and file a report,” Thumal said. Two Anti-Corruption Managers, appointed by the BCCI’s ACSU President, are responsible for overseeing the PMOA and ensuring that all protocols are properly implemented.
At the heart of the controversy has emerged a potential medical exemption. According to reports, Pindar has previously suffered serious medical emergencies, including lung collapse, which required critical care and a long hospital stay in Nagpur.
A source close to the matter has revealed that the man in question has been dealing with serious health issues in recent weeks, which have had a significant impact on his physical condition and day-to-day activities.
Despite these challenges, he remained with the team in a limited capacity, continuing to fulfill various responsibilities within the franchise.
“Both his lungs collapsed and he spent almost a month in the Nagpur hospital due to a medical emergency,” the source said.
“Romi has lost more than ten kilos due to medical problems. He has asthma, which means he is advised not to walk long distances or climb stairs often. He is in the team and does various roles for the owner, so he knows the rules and regulations. But the phone was in his possession for medical reasons,” he added.
“Also, having a mobile phone and laptop in the dugout is allowed under protocol. The only problem is the app, but again, he wasn’t making or receiving any calls. He was scrolling on his phone. He has time and will try to explain his point to ACSU officials.”
A former ACSU official explained that a mobile phone can be carried into the pit in case of medical emergencies, but calls can only be received or made from the dressing room. BCCI is expected to take a final decision after examining all the evidence.