Concerns Rise Over IPL Protocol Breaches Amid Phone Usage Incident
IPL Franchises Ignoring BCCI Warnings
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns regarding adherence to protocols by Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, but recent events suggest these warnings are being overlooked. During the match on May 10 between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, a staff member from LSG was seen allegedly using a mobile phone while the game was in progress. This incident quickly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and sparked widespread discussion.
How is this LSG staff member allowed to use his phone during the match? pic.twitter.com/9eb8woCI1W
— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) May 10, 2026
🚨 IPL INTEGRITY IN QUESTION? 🚨Unbelievable! Another security lapse as a Lucknow Super Giants official was spotted on a mobile phone during the CSK vs LSG clash. This isn't the first time this season—what exactly is the BCCI doing? Constant protocol breaches are becoming a… pic.twitter.com/y8uvPH0Bv3
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) May 10, 2026
Someone from the LSG support staff was caught live using a mobile phone in the dugout.First, Romi Bhinder was caught using a mobile phone and was fined just ₹1 lakh.What’s actually happening in this IPL? It looks like no one is seriously taking the BCCI rules anymore. There… pic.twitter.com/j2gcHxetsx
— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) May 10, 2026
🚨 BIG MISTAKE BY LSG 🚨 - Once again, someone was seen talking on the phone during the Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants match. Seriously, what is happening in the IPL this time? What is the BCCI doing? The same thing is happening again and again. pic.twitter.com/bNrlolLt2T
— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) May 10, 2026
It remains unclear whether the footage originated from the LSG dugout, the VIP section, or the dressing room, and the identity of the individual involved has not yet been disclosed.
Violation of PMOA Regulations
According to the Player and Match Official Arena (POMA) regulations set by the IPL, only team managers are permitted to use mobile phones, and only in the dressing room, not in the dugout. The guidelines state: "Mobile Phones and other electronic communications equipment are not allowed to be used in the PMOA other than for a few members of the team. The Team Manager may use a phone in the Dressing Room area but NOT in the Dugout. Player and support staff items, i.e., phones, smartwatches, or any other communication devices should be turned off and given to the team SLO for storage upon arrival at the stadium. Accredited staff, including dressing room attendants and IPL Match Managers, may not take communication devices into the PMOA. Secure boxes will be available at every entrance to securely store devices," as outlined in the PMOA Protocol document issued by the BCCI.
Previous Incident with Rajasthan Royals
This marks the second controversy in the 2026 IPL season, following an incident where Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using his phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati. Bhinder faced disciplinary action from the IPL governing council, resulting in a fine of ₹1 lakh. This latest occurrence comes shortly after the BCCI distributed an eight-page advisory to franchises addressing various breaches of protocol within the league.