NEW DELHI: The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit has announced an immediate ban on smart sunglasses for participants and match officials in the IPL, citing the devices’ ability to connect and transmit data in real time. The move comes through an advisory to franchises, warning that players and support staff must hand over such eyewear before entering the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), or face disciplinary consequences.
BCCI ACU cracks down on smart eyewear
The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit said it has observed companies marketing and selling smart sunglasses to players and members of support staff. The concern centres on advanced communication capabilities embedded in these devices—features that can enable live streaming and audio-video calling using mobile data or Wi-Fi networks.
- Smart sunglasses are capable of live streaming and audio-video calling via mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- They can also support sending and receiving text messages through connected networks.
- The BCCI says these capabilities fall under categories relevant to PMOA restrictions.
PMOA rules: deposit the devices before entry
Along with the ban, the BCCI ACU directed players and officials to deposit smart sunglasses before entering the PMOA. The Board reiterated that players are already barred from using communication equipment inside designated PMOAs, and it warned that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of PMOA protocols.
- Players and match officials must deposit smart sunglasses before entering the PMOA on match days.
- Devices must be handed over to the Security Liaison Officer (SLO).
- Smart sunglasses should be deposited along with mobile phones and smartwatches upon PMOA entry.
The advisory also clarified the regulatory classification under PMOA Minimum Standards, stating that such smart eyewear is treated as both an “Audio/Video Recording Device” and a “Communication Device”. It further notified that holding and/or using “Smart Goggles” is strictly prohibited within the PMOA.
Enforcement reminders and earlier precedent
The BCCI’s anti-corruption follow-up also pointed to an earlier incident this season involving Rajasthan Royals’ Romi Bhinder. He was fined Rs 1 lakh and issued a warning after being caught on camera using a mobile phone inside the team dugout during a match.
In addition, the BCCI has barred guests from entering hotel rooms of players and support staff, citing security concerns and fears of “honey-trapping”.
Disciplinary warning and broader tightening of protocols
The advisory stressed that failure to deposit smart sunglasses would be deemed a violation of PMOA protocols. It added that penalties may be imposed under the PMOA Minimum Standards for IPL 2026.
It also referenced the broader tightening of behavioural and security measures during IPL 2026, noting that multiple code of conduct breaches had already prompted stricter protocols. One such measure includes a ban on late-night outings by players without prior approval from the security team.
