Lalit Modi is the founder of Indian Premier League (IPL)Has brutally criticized the officials and also raised questions on their morality. Modi took a dig at the current IPL hierarchy in relation to Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder, who was found guilty when he was caught using a phone in the dug-out during an IPL 2026 match.
Use of phones or any type of communication device is not allowed in the dugout during the match. Since Romi Bhinder was using the phone during the Rajasthan Royals match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council fined him for violating the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules. Under this rule, the board imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the RR manager.
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Lalit Modi’s strict decision on Rajasthan Royals manager using phone in dugout
Modi believes that the IPL and board officials should have handled the situation with strict action. Going a step further, Lalit Modi said that RR manager Romi Bhinder should be banned from the tournament for violating the rules.
“Why just fines? Should be banned – zero tolerance is the only mantra. This shows that BCCI and IPL Governing Council are not ready to become a zero-tolerance administration. They are always saving someone or the other. Stop that, guys. The only way to send a message to everyone,” Lalit Modi wrote on his ‘X’ post.
Why exactly? There should be a ban – zero tolerance is the only mantra. This shows that BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are not ready to become a zero tolerance administration. They are always protecting something or the other. Stop that guys. The only way to get the message across https://t.co/B2gzW53lqD
– Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) 17 April 2026
This was Rajasthan Royals vs RCB match in Guwahati
The incident was captured during Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RR vs RCB) match in Guwahati on 10th April. Bhinder was clearly seen using the phone in the team’s dugout while the match was going on. RR opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi was sitting next to him in the dugout.
It was later reported that the Royals manager was suffering from health problems and was having difficulty walking long distances and climbing stairs. However, these were not taken as any excuse. BCCI said in an official statement that the anti-corruption unit of the board has imposed a fine on the team manager and also warned him. In response, Romi Bhinder admitted her mistake.
BCCI issued an official statement on this matter
“The Sharad Kumar-led team examined Bhinder’s response and found him guilty. His response to the notice was unsatisfactory. He was found guilty of violating the protocol. Since this is a first-time offence, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed and a warning has been issued. Admitting the mistake, Mr Bhinder admitted the offense and tendered an unconditional apology,” BCCI said in an official statement.
A BCCI source informed news agency PTI that using phones in the dugout is strictly prohibited in the Indian Premier League. It is possible that the manager of Rajasthan Royals may have done this unknowingly, but the board has handled the matter correctly.
“Using phones in the dugout is strictly prohibited and having been a part of the IPL for a long time, I am sure Bhinder was aware of it. It could have been unintentional, but the BCCI has dealt with the issue appropriately,” the source said.
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