Controversy Erupts Over Mobile Phone Use in IPL Dugout
Immediate Action Demanded by Former IPL Chairman
Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the IPL, has called for urgent measures following an incident involving the Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager, Romi Bhinder. He was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. This breach of the IPL's PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol quickly gained traction on social media, sparking significant outrage. Modi expressed his concerns on X, stating, "Having a mobile phone in the dugout is completely unacceptable. Did this really happen? I hope not. If it did, then the IPL governing council must take IMMEDIATE ACTION."
This is COMPLETELY A NO NO. WHERE WAS ANTI CORRUPTION 😳 https://t.co/6za4cvc6gm
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) April 11, 2026
Understanding the Rules
What Do The Rules Say?
The IPL enforces stringent regulations regarding mobile phone usage in the PMOA. While certain individuals, such as team managers, are permitted to have phones in the dressing room, using them in the dugout during a match is a significant violation of the code. An IPL official commented, "Managers and media managers can carry phones, but the guidelines are explicit. Using one in the dugout is a serious breach, especially since Romi was seated next to players who were able to see his screen while he was scrolling. There is no ambiguity here, and it is now up to the officials to look into this issue."
Defining PMOA
What Is A PMOA?
The PMOA encompasses various areas including dressing rooms, external viewing areas for players, the TV/third umpire area, the match referee’s room, dining areas for players and officials, dugouts, and any other locations designated by the BCCI's anti-corruption and security manager. The head of the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) appoints two managers to oversee these arrangements. Players and support staff are required to surrender their phones and can only retrieve them after the match concludes. Only a select few, including security personnel and the team manager, are allowed to use phones, but not in the dugout, as previously mentioned. It will be intriguing to observe how the IPL governing council addresses this controversy.