The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced another strict security regulation in the IPL, banning the use of smart sunglasses inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). The move comes as part of the board’s intensified efforts to safeguard the integrity and security of the tournament amid growing concerns over unauthorized communication and data sharing. In an advisory sent to all IPL franchises, the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit stated that smart sunglasses pose a serious threat to match security because they are equipped with advanced features such as live streaming, video calling, audio-video recording, messaging, and internet connectivity through Wi-Fi or mobile data.
The board has classified these devices as both communication and recording tools, making them prohibited within sensitive operational zones. Under the new rule, players and support staff will now be required to deposit smart sunglasses along with mobile phones and smartwatches before entering the playing area. These devices must be handed over to the Security Liaison Officer, and failure to comply could invite disciplinary action under the IPL Code of Conduct.
The BCCI has also warned franchises and team personnel that any violation of the directive will be dealt with strictly. The latest crackdown follows earlier incidents that raised security concerns during IPL 2026, including the case involving Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder, who was fined ₹1 lakh and issued a warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.
Over the course of the season, the BCCI has tightened several protocols to strengthen player security and maintain the league’s credibility. Restrictions on late-night movement, limits on hotel room visitors due to security and honey-trapping concerns, and now the ban on smart sunglasses reflect the board’s increasingly stringent approach toward protecting the IPL ecosystem from potential breaches and misconduct.
