As per “PMOA Protocol-2026” published on IPLA manager may carry a phone, but is not allowed to use it in the dugout. Here’s what the protocol says:phonesUse of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices is not permitted in the PMOA except by a few team members.* The team manager can use the phone in the dressing room area but not in the dugoutIn addition to the team manager, the media manager is allowed to have a phone in the PMOA area, but use is clearly defined in the protocol, which was published before the start of the tournament. Bhinder may face trouble for this act and may be summoned by the match referee and the anti-corruption unit. The incident has now gone viral on social media timelines and it remains to be seen how the IPL Governing Council addresses it. An IPL official says, “Managers and media managers keep phones but the rules are very clear regarding its use. Using it in the dugout is a serious lapse as Romy was sitting next to players who looked at his screen while scrolling. There is no gray area here and it is now up to the authorities to investigate the matter.”IPL founding chairman Lalit Modi also made a post on Twitter regarding the incident and urged the Governing Council to take “immediate action”.Dressing rooms, players’ outdoor match viewing areas, TV/third umpire area, match referee’s room, players’ and match officials’ dining areas, dugouts, any other areas identified by the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Manager are all part of the PMOA, and two BCCI Anti-Corruption Managers appointed by the Head of the BCCI Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) are responsible for ensuring proper arrangements at least 30 minutes before the arrival of the teams. Before entering the field, players and support staff deposit their phones and retrieve them only after the game is over. Only certain team members are allowed to use phones or other communication devices, but usage guidelines are clearly listed in the PMOA protocol document.