Ban smart glasses in IPL? BCCI announces tighter security protocols

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has directed all IPL 2026 players and support staff to surrender smart glasses and other advanced eyewear on match days.

The move is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the tournament and prevent potential misuse of the technology in restricted areas.

According to the ACSU, several technology companies have recently been promoting and selling smart sunglasses and glasses to IPL players and franchise employees. Although these devices look similar to regular glasses, they come with advanced features that have raised concerns among tournament officials.

ACSU noted that many of these smart glasses can record videos, live stream footage, send and receive text messages, and even make audio or video calls using cellular data or Wi-Fi connections. Because of these capabilities, the devices have been classified as communications and sound and video recording devices under the IPL regulations.

NEW MATCH DAY RULES

As a result, the use or possession of smart glasses has been banned in the Players and Officials Area (PMOA) on match days. The restriction applies to all high-security areas, including locker rooms, dugouts and player viewing areas.

The ACSU believes such devices could potentially be used to transmit information in real time or create security vulnerabilities during matches. To avoid any risk, officials have decided to treat smart glasses like other banned electronic devices.

Under the new guidelines, players and support staff must hand over all smart glasses to the Security Liaison Officer (SLO) upon arrival at the venue. These devices must be stored along with cell phones, smart watches and any other communication devices before entering restricted team areas.

The BCCI has made it clear that compliance with the directive is mandatory. Anyone caught wearing or using Smart Glasses inside the PMOA will be considered in violation of tournament protocols.

The board also warned that failure to keep such devices could lead to disciplinary action and personal penalties under the IPL 2026 Minimum Standards Regulations.

With the latest directive, ACSU seeks to close any potential loopholes created by emerging wearable technology and ensure team areas remain free of unauthorized digital communications during games.

RECENT IPL CONTROVERSIES

The recent incidents have also highlighted the BCCI’s growing concerns about technology and behavior in the restricted areas on match day. Earlier in IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 million and issued a warning after being seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match, a direct breach of PMOA regulations.

The league also faced another controversy when he was the captain of Rajasthan Royals Riyan Parag was caught on broadcast cameras using an electronic cigarette inside the dressing room during the match against Punjab Kings. The incident led to disciplinary proceedings, with Parag later fined 25 percent of his match fee and awarded a demerit point for conduct intended to bring the game into disrepute.

These incidents are believed to be one of the reasons why the ACSU has moved to tighten restrictions on electronic and communication devices in IPL team areas.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

29 May 2026 11:00 AM IST