Royals Manager Fined ₹1 Lakh for Dugout Phone Breach in IPL 2026
The BCCI has slapped a fine of INR 1 Lakh on Rajasthan Royals Team Manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, for breaching the IPL's Player and Match Official Area (PMOA) Protocols during a recent league fixture. The disciplinary action stems from an incident that unfolded in the players' dugout, an area governed by strict rules to preserve the integrity of the tournament.
The breach occurred during Match 16 of IPL 2026, a closely watched contest between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10. According to match officials, Bhinder was found using a mobile phone within the dugout, a clear violation of Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI's PMOA Protocols, which explicitly bars personnel from using such devices in designated team zones during play.
Manager Accepts Fault, Issues Apology
Rather than contest the charge, Bhinder promptly acknowledged his error and tendered an unconditional apology for the lapse. His cooperative response was taken into account by the BCCI while determining the penalty. Since this marked his first offence under the PMOA guidelines, the governing body opted for a monetary fine rather than a harsher sanction, invoking Article 7.42(a) of the protocol to impose the INR 1 Lakh penalty. Alongside the fine, Bhinder has been issued a formal warning and urged to exercise greater caution going forward, with officials making clear that any repeat violation could attract stiffer consequences.
The episode serves as a reminder of how seriously the BCCI treats protocol compliance during IPL 2026, a season already marked by heightened scrutiny of dugout conduct across franchises. With the tournament reaching its competitive peak, even minor procedural slips are being addressed swiftly to maintain a level playing field for all teams. For Rajasthan Royals, who have been enjoying a strong run in the standings this season, the incident is unlikely to have any bearing on team performance, but it does underscore the importance of strict discipline off the field. As the league progresses, players, support staff, and management across all franchises are being reminded that adherence to the PMOA framework remains non-negotiable, regardless of a team's position in the points table.