With two matches remaining in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the BCCI has banned the use of smart sunglasses in all Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA).

Since these devices are capable of live streaming, audio/video calling, and internet browsing, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) classifies them as both communication and recording devices, which are strictly prohibited.

In an advisory issued to all 10 franchises, the BCCI ACSU said it has been noticed that some companies are marketing and selling smart sunglasses to players and support staff.

"Kindly note that these devices are equipped with advanced communication features, including live streaming, sending and receiving text messages, as well as audio and video calling capabilities through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks," the board stated.

"Accordingly, under the PMOA Minimum Standards, such goggles/glasses are classified both as an 'Audio/Video Recording Device' and a 'Communication Device'.

"It is hereby notified that the possession and/or use of 'Smart Goggles' is strictly prohibited within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA)," it added.

The crackdown comes in the wake of multiple protocol breaches during the ongoing IPL. Incidents included unauthorized guests in hotel rooms, players vaping in restricted zones, and phone use in the team dugout. For instance, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and given a warning for using a mobile phone in the dugout.

In its latest advisory, the BCCI ACSU mentioned that players and support staff must deposit their smart sunglasses before entering the PMOA and the failure to comply will be treated as a serious disciplinary breach.

"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 said.

"Failure to deposit such devices shall be deemed a breach of the PMOA protocols and may result in penalties under the PMOA Minimum Standards for IPL 2026," it added.

In order to tighten tournament integrity and avoid security threats, the BCCI has also enforced bans on late-night player outings without security permission and disallowed guests in the hotel rooms of players and support staff.

(With PTI Inputs)