‘Should Be BANNED’: Lalit Modi Demands ₹1 Lakh Fine Isn’t Enough After Rajasthan Royals Phone Breach

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has called for stronger disciplinary action after Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during an IPL 2026 match.

Bhinder was penalised by the BCCI's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) after footage of him using a phone during Rajasthan Royals' match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati surfaced online. The incident led to a show-cause notice, following which the official admitted to the lapse and issued an unconditional apology.

Lalit Modi reacts to Rajasthan Royals punishment

Reacting to the development on social media, Lalit Modi criticised the decision to impose only a financial penalty and argued that stricter measures were necessary to maintain discipline.

"Why fine only. Should be banned - zero tolerance is the only mantra," Modi wrote.

He further suggested that stronger action would send a clearer message across the league and stakeholders.

"This shows BCCI and IPL governing council not ready to be zero tolerance administration. They are always protecting someone or something. Shut him down guys. Only way to get a message to one and all," he added.

Modi's remarks reflect ongoing debates around enforcement of anti-corruption protocols within professional cricket.

What action was taken against Rajasthan Royals Romi Bhinder

The BCCI's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh and issued a formal warning to Bhinder after reviewing the incident.

According to IPL regulations, mobile phones are not permitted inside the dugout area. Even authorised personnel such as team managers and media staff are restricted to using devices only inside dressing rooms.

Officials stated that this was Bhinder's first breach of the protocol, which influenced the decision to issue a warning rather than impose a harsher sanction.

Bhinder acknowledged the violation and submitted an unconditional apology during the disciplinary process.

Why dugout phone rules are strict

Restrictions on mobile phone usage in dugouts form part of the IPL's anti-corruption and match-integrity framework.

These rules exist to prevent:

• Unauthorised communication during matches
• Potential misuse of information
• Integrity risks linked to betting or match manipulation

All players, staff and franchise personnel are briefed on these protocols before each IPL season begins.

The bigger debate around 'zero tolerance'

Modi's comments have reignited discussion around whether financial penalties are sufficient deterrents in such cases.

Supporters of stricter punishment argue that anti-corruption breaches - even minor ones - must be handled firmly to preserve credibility. Others note that first-time offences are often treated with warnings under established disciplinary guidelines.

For now, the BCCI has maintained that the penalty aligns with existing protocols, while Modi's response underscores continued scrutiny around governance standards in the IPL.