The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned smart sunglasses, goggles, and similar wearable devices in restricted areas of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to safeguard tournament integrity.
The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) directed players and officials to surrender such gadgets before entering the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA). These devices, capable of live streaming, messaging, and audio-video calling, have been classified as communication and recording tools under IPL regulations.
Officials said the move aims to prevent misuse of wearable technology for unauthorised communication during matches. Violations will attract penalties under IPL 2026 rules.
The directive follows recent breaches, including Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder being fined ₹1 lakh for using a phone in the dugout and captain Riyan Parag penalised for vaping in the dressing room. The ACSU also flagged unauthorised access near dugouts and hospitality zones, urging stricter control.
The crackdown continues the BCCI’s decade-long vigilance since the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. Surveillance now extends to team hotels, dressing rooms, and practice venues. The ban on smart eyewear reflects the league’s evolving security framework as technology becomes more discreet and powerful.
