Serious sanctions unlikely for lax Rajasthan Royals manager

Romi Bhinder, the Rajasthan Royals manager, may face only a light sanction such as a warning or a fine.

The BCCI's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has issued him a show-cause notice for using a mobile phone in the players' dugout during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. However, a lenient view is likely due to Bhinder's health condition. Serious sanctions like suspension or a ban are considered unlikely.

A BCCI source stated that while Bhinder's actions were "injudicious and indiscreet," there was no indication of malicious intent or a breach of the anti-corruption code. The source added, "He also appears to have serious health issues. The ACSU will take the final call, but on the face of it, this does not seem to be a major violation."

Bhinder is understood to have responded to the notice within 48 hours, providing relevant details, medical records, and likely an apology. He has battled serious lung issues, and his condition was once considered grave by doctors in Nagpur. He had previously informed the BCCI about his health.

The incident occurred during the Rajasthan Royals vs. RCB match on April 10 in Guwahati. Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone near the dugout; images showed him seated in front of a refrigerator with young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi beside him, also looking at the phone.

While team managers are permitted to use mobile phones inside the dressing room per PMOA guidelines, Bhinder's lapse was using it outside this designated area.