RR director Rumi Bhinder violates PMOA protocol (Screengrab)
New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals manager Rumi Bhinder was spotted using a mobile phone in the team’s dugout during his team’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on Friday, violating the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol by doing so.
The incident took place during the 11th day of RR’s chase when Bhinder was using his phone and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was sitting to his right, was peeping on his screen.
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As per the ‘PMOA Protocol – 2026’ published on the official website of the IPL, a manager may carry a phone, but its use in the dugout is not permitted. Here’s what the protocol says:PhonesThe use of cell phones and other electronic communications equipment in the PMOA is only permitted for a small number of team members.*The team manager may use the telephone in the locker room area but not in the dugout
Along with the team manager, the media director is allowed to have a phone in the PMOA area, but usage is clearly defined in the protocol, which was published before the start of the tournament. Bhinder may face a problem due to this act and may be summoned by the match referee and the anti-corruption unit. The incident has now gone viral on social media timelines, and it remains to be seen how the IPL governing body will handle it.
“Managers and media directors carry the phone but the rules around its use are very clear. Using it in the dugout is a serious foul as Rumi was sitting next to the players who looked at his screen while passing. There is no gray area here and now it is up to the officials to investigate the matter,” says an IPL official.IPL founder president Lalit Modi also shared a post on X regarding the incident, urging the board to take “immediate action”.
Changing rooms, away match viewing areas for players, TV/third official area, match referee’s room, dining areas for players and match officials, dugouts, and any other area designated by the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Director are all part of the PMOA, and two BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Directors, appointed by the Head of the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) are responsible for ensuring proper arrangements for at least 30 minutes. Before the teams arrive.
Before entering the field, players and support staff deposit their phones and do not get them back until after the match. Only a few team members are allowed to use phones or other communication devices, but guidelines for use are clearly listed in the PMOA protocol document.