BCCI’s ACU penalises RR official after protocol breach during clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru; calls it inadvertent mistake

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has fined Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder ₹1 lakh for violating the IPL’s Players’ and Match Officials’ Area (PMOA) protocols. The incident occurred during RR’s IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 in Guwahati, where Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone in the team dugout.

As per IPL regulations, team officials are strictly prohibited from using mobile phones in the dugout area, although usage is permitted inside the dressing room. Bhinder’s actions were deemed a breach under Article 4.1.1 of the PMOA guidelines.

In his response to the ACU, Bhinder admitted the violation and clarified that the incident was unintentional. He issued an unconditional apology and reportedly mentioned his ongoing health issues, including Type 2 lung failure, as part of his explanation. Taking these factors into account, the ACU decided to impose a monetary fine rather than stricter disciplinary action.

The board also issued a formal warning, urging Bhinder to exercise greater caution and adhere strictly to IPL protocols in the future.

The matter gained attention after images of Bhinder using his phone in the dugout surfaced on social media. In the same visuals, young RR player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seen sitting beside him. Bhinder is understood to be the 15-year-old cricketer’s local guardian during the tournament.

Despite the off-field controversy, Rajasthan Royals have maintained strong on-field performance in IPL 2026 and currently sit third on the points table, having secured four wins from their first five matches.