The Board of Control for Cricket in India has moved to further tighten compliance around the ongoing IPL 2026, issuing fresh directives to both players and match officials. The change comes after the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit flagged a serious concern: smart sunglasses have the capability to transmit data in real time, potentially enabling live streaming and video calling when connected through mobile networks or Wi-Fi.
In its latest advisory, the BCCI informed all 10 franchises that it has observed certain companies marketing these smart eyewear devices to players and support personnel. The board highlighted that the gadgets go beyond basic eyewear functions and can support live streaming, text messaging, and audio-video calling over mobile data or wireless networks. The message was sent to ensure teams treat the devices as a compliance risk within the match-day control zones.
Under the PMOA Minimum Standards, the BCCI has classified such smart goggles as both an “Audio/Video Recording Device” and a “Communication Device.” As a result, the possession and/or use of smart goggles has been declared strictly prohibited inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). The instruction is aimed at closing any loopholes that could allow communication or recording capabilities within a restricted environment during matches.
The board also underlined that it will enforce the rule without exceptions. Earlier in IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined INR 1 lakh for using a mobile phone from within the team dugout during the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. That incident has now been followed by an even broader clampdown, with players and officials being stopped from using communication devices inside the PMOA.
To make the process clear on match days, the BCCI urged all relevant individuals to surrender and deposit their smart sunglasses before entering the PMOA. It also made it explicit that penalties may follow in case of non-compliance. “All players and support staff are directed to deposit such devices with the Security Liaison Officer (SLO), along with their mobile phones and smartwatches, upon entering the PMOA on match days,” the board stated. It added that failing to hand over the devices would be treated as a breach of PMOA protocols and could trigger action under the PMOA Minimum Standards for IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 has already been affected by multiple breaches of code of conduct, prompting the BCCI to issue tougher measures around player behaviour and security. Among the earlier restrictions, the board barred late-night outings by players unless they had prior permission from the security team. Separate safeguards were also introduced for teams’ hotel stays, with guests in players’ and support staff rooms disallowed due to security worries and concerns over possible honey-trapping.
