The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) found themselves in the spotlight for off-field reasons during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. A brief visual that appeared on the broadcast sparked discussion over a possible breach of protocol.
Incident During the Match
The moment occurred in the first over of the match, just after Josh Inglis struck a boundary off Akeal Hossein on the fifth delivery. During the replay shown on television, a person was observed using a mobile phone, with viewers claiming that the individual was in the LSG dugout area. This led to immediate reactions on social media platforms.
IPL PMOA Rules on Electronic Devices
The IPL's Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules explicitly restrict the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in specific zones. These zones include dressing rooms, dugouts, match viewing areas, umpire rooms, the match referee's room, and dining spaces. Only the official team analyst is permitted to use such devices in a designated area.
The IPL PMOA guidelines state: "Mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are not allowed to be used in the PMOA." The rules apply across all key operational zones during a match, including areas linked to players, officials, and support staff under the supervision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Social Media Reactions and Clarifications
As the clip circulated online, questions were raised about whether the rules had been breached. However, the situation did not progress further as it emerged that the individual seen on camera was perhaps not part of the LSG dugout. The exact location of the person could not be independently verified by TimesofIndia.com.
Previous Similar Incident
A similar case had been reported earlier in the season when Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a mobile phone during a match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. The matter came under scrutiny after images of Bhinder with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appeared on social media during the game.
Conclusion
While the LSG incident has sparked debate, no official action has been taken as of now. The IPL continues to enforce strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of the game. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
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