BCCI Bans Smart Sunglasses in IPL 2026

"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 directive added

By Neelima 

Hyderabad: With just two matches left in IPL 2026, the BCCI has introduced a new rule — smart sunglasses are now banned inside all Player and Match Officials Areas (PMOA).

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The Board’s Anti-Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) issued a fresh advisory to all franchises, highlighting that smart sunglasses are equipped with advanced features including live streaming, video calling, and text messaging through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks. These capabilities raise serious concerns around the security and integrity of the game inside restricted zones such as dressing rooms and dugouts.

Following the advisory, the BCCI has officially classified smart sunglasses as both an “Audio/Video Recording Device” and a “Communication Device” — placing them in the same category as mobile phones and smart watches.

All players, support staff, and match officials are now required to deposit their smart sunglasses with the Security Liaison Officer (SLO) before entering the PMOA on match days. Failure to do so will be treated as a direct violation of PMOA Minimum Standards and will attract disciplinary penalties.

This is not the first directive issued by the board during this season. Earlier, the BCCI restricted players from late night outings without prior approval from the security team. Personal guests were also barred from hotel rooms assigned to players and support staff, citing security concerns.

The BCCI stated that non-compliance with any of these protocols will be dealt with strictly, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of anti-corruption measures throughout the season.