New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Ravinder Singh Bhinder, the team manager of Rajasthan Royals, has been penalized with a fine of INR 1 lakh for violating the BCCI IPL Players’ and Match Officials’ Area (PMOA) protocols during Match 16 of the current season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10.

This violation was linked to Bhinder's use of a mobile phone in the team dugout, which is explicitly forbidden under Article 4.1.1 of the PMOA regulations. The issue became prominent after images surfaced on social media showing Bhinder using his phone while young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appeared to be looking at the screen.

“Mr. Bhinder acknowledged the mistake and issued a sincere apology. As this is his first infraction under the set protocols, a fine of INR 1 Lakh has been levied in line with Article 7.42(a) of the BCCI IPL PMOA rules. He has also received a warning to be more vigilant in the future and to comply strictly with the guidelines,” the IPL stated on Friday.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia earlier informed IANS that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) was not satisfied with Bhinder’s explanation, resulting in the fine and warning regarding the breach.

“This violation took place during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where our anti-corruption unit in Guwahati noted the infraction and issued an explanation notice on April 12. Bhinder was given 48 hours to respond, as he was found or seen carrying his mobile into the dugout area.

“He is allowed to have a mobile, but it cannot enter the dugout, prompting the need for an explanation. Bhinder responded within the 48-hour timeframe, but the anti-corruption unit deemed his response unsatisfactory.

“Considering this was his first violation of the IPL PMOA protocols, the anti-corruption unit decided to impose a penalty of Rs 1 lakh and warned him against future breaches,” Saikia told IANS.

The PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) guidelines on the IPL's website state, “The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”

Bhinder has been with Rajasthan Royals since the league started in 2008 and also acts as a local guardian for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi. He was previously associated with the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants during the years when RR was banned from the competition in 2016 and 2017.

“On behalf of BCCI, we hope this serves as a deterrent for all stakeholders involved in the IPL to adhere strictly to the spirit of the rules and follow the IPL PMOA protocols,” added Saikia.

Rajasthan Royals, champions of IPL 2008, currently sit in third place on the points table and will face three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata this Sunday.