IPL smart sunglasses ban: Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 2, the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has issued an advisory for franchises disallowing the use of smart sunglasses/goggles by players and support staff inside restricted Players and Match Official Area (PMOA) on match days.
Sports Tak has learnt that the ACSU is concerned about the smart glasses’ ability to live stream, send/receive text messages, and make audio-video calls via mobile or Wi-Fi networks.
Under the PMOA protocols, the use of ‘Audio/Video Recording Device’ and a ‘Communication Device’ is prohibited on match days.
The franchises have been cautioned against the use of smart googles as it would invite penalties under the PMOA.
BCCI’s strict actions throughout IPL 2026
The advisory comes Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, was fined Rs 1 lakh for use of smartphone in the dugout. He had breached Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols.
Earlier in the season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had released an advisory for IPL teams, warning them of 'honey-trap risks'.
“The BCCI draws the attention of all Franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that pervade high-profile sporting environments. The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times,” Saikia had said in the advisory.
IPL teams were advised against players and support staff leaving the team hotels at wee hours. They were also warned against players and staff hosting guests, visitors in their private hotel rooms instead of designated public areas such as lobby and reception lounge of the hotel. Players will have to seek permission of the Team Manager in writing if any outsider has entered players' private rooms.
The BCCI and the IPL have taken steps to ensure that the tournament goes ahead smoothly and remains free of corruption, especially the young players who are gullible to approaches of outside corrupt personnel.