TNPL player under BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit probe after phone found in PMOA

A player in the Tamil Nadu Premier League was found in possession of a mobile phone inside the Players and Match Officials Area at the NPR College ground in Natham, Dindigul earlier this week and has come under scrutiny from the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit. The device was discovered during his team's match.

The TNPL has been taking place at the NPR College ground since August 4. Players are prohibited from carrying or using communication devices in the restricted Players and Match Officials Areas and are required to deposit their gadgets with the team manager before entering the PMOAs. Only the team manager is permitted to have a mobile in the PMOA, and that device should be used solely for cricket operations.

The Anti-Corruption Unit has made a formal communication to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association about the incident, and the TNCA has acknowledged receipt of that correspondence.

Earlier this year in the IPL, Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh and given a warning for using a phone in the dugout during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Managers are allowed to use mobiles only in the dressing room and not in the dugouts.

“Yes, we have received a letter about this incident. We have instructed the concerned team owners not to consider him for selection until the enquiry is over. We are investigating the matter and will take appropriate action,” said TNCA secretary U. Bhagawandas Rao in a statement.