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Mumbai Indians’ narrow defeat to Gujarat Titans in a rain-affected IPL 2025 thriller at Wankhede Stadium was dramatic enough, but a fresh controversy has overshadowed the result. During a rain break, a member of the MI support staff was seen using a mobile phone near the boundary, raising concerns about a potential breach of IPL’s strict anti-corruption protocols. This incident has sparked debate about rule enforcement and could have serious implications for the franchise.
Camera catches MI’s support staff using phone during the match against GT
As the rain interrupted Gujarat Titans’ chase in the 14th over, live television cameras captured a Mumbai Indians staff member talking on a mobile phone behind the boundary line. IPL regulations are clear: mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited in the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), except for a few designated team members, and even then, only in specific zones like the dressing room-not the dugout or boundary areas. The Team Manager is allowed to use a phone, but only inside the dressing room, not outside or in the dugout.
This apparent violation, broadcast live, quickly drew attention from fans and pundits. Questions are raised about the integrity of the match, with some even alleging possible match-fixing-a claim not supported by any official evidence but indicative of the seriousness with which such breaches are viewed. The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit, which monitors every IPL match, is likely to investigate the incident, and the consequences for MI could range from fines to stricter scrutiny in upcoming games.
Here’s the video:
— crictalk (@crictalk7) May 7, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s why BCCI fined Ashish Nehra and Hardik Pandya after the MI vs GT clash at Wankhede
Playoff pressure mounts as MI faces off-field turmoil in IPL 2025
The timing of this controversy couldn’t be worse for Mumbai Indians. Their defeat to Gujarat Titans dropped them to fourth place on the points table, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. With only two league matches left-against playoff contenders Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals-MI must win both to guarantee a spot in the top four. Anything less could leave their fate dependent on other results, a risky scenario in a tightly contested season.
The off-field distraction of a potential rule breach adds to the pressure on Hardik Pandya’s side. The IPL’s anti-corruption protocols are designed to protect the integrity of the tournament, and any lapse, intentional or not, is taken seriously. As MI regroup for their must-win fixtures, all eyes will be on both their on-field performance and how the franchise addresses this latest controversy.
