The Rajasthan Royals have been handed a financial penalty, but not for anything that happened on the field. Team manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh by the BCCI for a breach of the IPL's strict anti-corruption protocols.

The violation? Using a mobile phone in the team dugout during their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 in Guwahati. While officials are permitted to use phones in the dressing room, the dugout is a strictly regulated zone to prevent any potential outside interference during play.

This marks a first-time offense for Bhinder, a long-time fixture with the Royals since the league's 2008 inception. After reviewing his explanation, the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit deemed it unsatisfactory and imposed the fine along with a formal warning. The league's rules are clear: to protect the integrity of the sport, a wide range of items—from personal electronics to betting materials—are completely banned from the dugout area.

For the Royals, it's a reminder that focus and discipline extend beyond the boundary ropes. As the playoff race heats up, every detail, including adherence to off-field protocols, is part of the game.