Fresh controversy broke out during the Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings clash on May 10 after broadcast visuals appeared to show a person allegedly using a phone near the LSG camp. The clip quickly went viral on social media because of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) strict restrictions around mobile phone usage during matches.
The incident happened during the early phase of LSG’s innings while Josh Inglis was batting. Cameras briefly focused towards the Lucknow setup, where one individual was seen apparently speaking on a mobile phone.
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However, there is still no official confirmation on whether the visuals were actually from the LSG dugout, dressing room area or a VIP section inside the stadium.
The identity of the individual seen in the clip and his exact role, if any, within the franchise also remains unclear at this stage.
As per IPL’s Player and Match Official Area (POMA) regulations, only team managers are permitted to use mobile phones during matches. Even then, phone usage is only allowed inside dressing rooms and not inside the dugout area during live play.
The timing of the controversy has naturally drawn attention because the IPL and BCCI recently cracked down heavily on protocol breaches involving support staff and unauthorised personnel.
WHAT ARE IPL’S RULES ON PHONE USAGE?
The IPL’s POMA rules have very strict guidelines regarding electronic communication during matches, especially because of anti-corruption protocols.
The issue had already become a major talking point earlier this season after Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was spotted using a phone inside the dugout during RR’s clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. Bhinder was later fined Rs 1 lakh by the IPL governing council.
Here are the key IPL rules regarding phone usage:
Only designated team managers are allowed to use mobile phones during matches
Mobile phone usage is permitted only inside dressing room areas
Phone usage inside the dugout during live play is prohibited
The rules fall under IPL’s Player and Match Official Area (POMA) regulations
The regulations are linked closely to IPL anti-corruption protocols
Only a few days ago, the BCCI also issued an eight-page advisory to franchises after repeated protocol breaches across IPL 2026. The board specifically warned teams regarding unauthorised personnel movement, dressing room access and violations involving anti-corruption measures.
WAS THE PERSON ACTUALLY INSIDE THE LSG DUGOUT?
That remains the biggest unanswered question for now.
While many social media users initially claimed the visuals showed an LSG staff member inside the dugout speaking on the phone, others later suggested the individual could actually have been seated in a VIP section at Chepauk.
Some users also pointed out that one of the people visible in the background appeared to be wearing a wrist band typically issued to VIP stand guests at IPL venues.
There were also claims online identifying the person as one of LSG’s net bowlers rather than an official support staff member.
As of now, neither the IPL, BCCI nor LSG have released any clarification regarding the viral visuals.
Until then, the incident remains more social media speculation than confirmed protocol breach.
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