The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a statement regarding a serious violation of the Anti-Corruption Protocol involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder. The dugout manager used a mobile phone while sitting next to young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, creating big problems.
Rajasthan Royals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, April 10. Riyan Parag-led Royals remained unbeaten in the tournament after three matches while Rajat Patidar-led RCB registered their first defeat after two consecutive wins.
Trouble for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after violation of anti-corruption protocol
Television cameras clearly captured Romi Bhinder using a mobile phone inside the Rajasthan Royals dugout during the 11th over of their chase. The pictures also showed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sitting nearby and repeatedly looking at the phone screen.
The Player and Match Officials Area protocol strictly prohibits the use of mobile phones on the bench. While team managers are allowed to carry phones in the dressing room, only designated analysts are allowed to use electronic devices at the tables during IPL matches.
The Anti-Corruption Unit can seize and scan the phone used by Romi Bhinder to ensure complete transparency. Officials could also warn Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for being near the device and looking at it during the match.
Match referee Vengalil Narayanan Kutty supervised the match along with two anti-graft officers in Guwahati. Their report will be important in deciding whether Romi Bhinder faces fines, sanctions or a possible exclusion from the IPL.
We will conduct an internal examination – Devajit Saikia
Devajit Saikia confirmed that the BCCI will conduct a detailed internal investigation into the serious protocol violation. Saikia affirmed that the process will remain transparent and that officials will carefully review the transmitted images and videos before reaching a final conclusion.
“Certain people can carry phones in the dugout and Romi Bhinder as a manager can carry them. But we need to thoroughly examine where exactly the event occurred and whether the phone was used. We will conduct an internal examination before coming to a logical conclusion,” Saikia told TOI.
“As I said, we will look into it. We cannot act on what is said. We will look at the photographs, the videos and everything we can get our hands on before coming to a conclusion,” he added.
Lalit Modi demands immediate action on Rajasthan royal dugout controversy
Former IPL president Lalit Modi took to social media to condemn the controversial dugout incident involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He demanded immediate action from the governing council and questioned the effectiveness and awareness of the Anti-Corruption Unit during the live broadcast.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India must resolve the issue quickly before Rajasthan Royals face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on Monday. The umpires must decide whether Romi Bhinder will be allowed to sit on the bench for that match.
The Anti-Corruption Code applies to all team officials and players. The IPL Governing Council now has a limited time to investigate the matter and decide appropriate action against Romi Bhinder and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
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