Should be banned: Rajasthan Royals manager receives extreme verdict amid IPL 2026

Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has harshly criticized the officials and raised questions about their ethics. Modi has taken a swipe at the current IPL hierarchy, specifically targeting Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder, who was found guilty of using a phone in the dug-out during an IPL 2026 match.

The use of phones or any communication devices is strictly prohibited in the dug-out during a match. As Romi Bhinder was found using a phone during a Rajasthan Royals game, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing council imposed a fine of INR 1 lakh on him for breaching the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules.

Lalit Modi felt that the IPL and board officials should have taken more severe action in the situation. He expressed the sentiment that Romi Bhinder, the RR manager, should be banned from the tournament entirely.

“Why fine only. Should be banned – zero tolerance is the only mantra. This shows the BCCI and IPL governing council are not ready to be a zero-tolerance administration. They are always protecting someone or something. Shut him down, guys. That’s the only way to get a message to one and all,” Lalit Modi noted in his social media post.

The incident occurred during the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RR vs RCB) match in Guwahati on April 10. Bhinder was seen clearly using a phone in the team’s dugout while the match was in progress. RR opener Vaibhansh Kandwal (previously mentioned as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) was sitting next to him in the dugout.

Reports have indicated that the Royals manager has been dealing with health issues, which have resulted in difficulties with walking long distances and climbing stairs. Despite this, the officials have maintained that health issues do not excuse breaking the rules.

The harsh ruling has drawn criticism from prominent figures, with Lalit Modi at the forefront of the sentiment. He expressed his concern about the lack of discipline within the team and the reluctance to take severe action against the offenders.

As the incident highlights the need for zero-tolerance policies, it raises questions about the role of the BCCI and IPL governing council in maintaining discipline within the IPL. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining strong rules and consequences for deviating from them.

The incident has sparked heated debate among fans and critics, with many arguing that a more stringent approach is needed to maintain the integrity of the IPL.