BCCI Bans Smart Goggles in IPL Players’ Area to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures

Mumbai, May 2026 : The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a strict directive prohibiting the possession and use of smart goggles or high-tech sunglasses within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) during IPL 2026 matches.

The move comes after the anti-corruption watchdog received information that certain companies have been promoting technologically advanced smart eyewear among players and support staff. According to officials, these devices are equipped with sophisticated communication and recording capabilities that could compromise the integrity and security protocols of the tournament.

In an internal communication circulated to all IPL franchises, the ACSU clarified that smart goggles fall under the category of both “communication devices” and “audio/video recording devices” under the PMOA Minimum Standards.

The directive noted that the devices are capable of live streaming, sending and receiving text messages, and making audio and video calls through Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. Because of these advanced features, the use or possession of such gadgets inside restricted areas has now been completely banned.

“It is hereby notified that the possession and/or use of smart goggles is strictly prohibited within the Players and Match Officials Area,” the ACSU stated in its communication to teams.

The board has directed all players, coaching staff, and support personnel to deposit such devices with the designated Security Liaison Officer (SLO) before entering the PMOA on match days. The order also applies to mobile phones, smartwatches, and any other communication-enabled electronic devices.

Officials warned that failure to comply with the directive would be treated as a violation of anti-corruption protocols and could invite disciplinary action or penalties under IPL regulations.

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

The Players and Match Officials Area is considered one of the most tightly monitored zones inside an IPL venue. Access to the PMOA is highly restricted and limited only to players, team support staff, match officials, authorised personnel, and a small number of accredited individuals.

Security at each entry point is closely supervised, and electronic devices are carefully regulated to prevent unauthorised communication or potential corruption-related activities.

As per existing IPL anti-corruption rules, players and support staff are already prohibited from carrying communication devices into sensitive areas such as dressing rooms and dugouts, except under limited circumstances.

Team managers are permitted to use mobile phones within dressing room areas but are not allowed to carry them into the dugout during matches. Similarly, analysts are allowed to operate computers only from designated analyst stations.

All other communication devices, including phones, smartwatches, tablets, and now smart goggles, must remain switched off and deposited with the team’s Security Liaison Officer upon arrival at the stadium.

The rules also extend to accredited support staff such as dressing room attendants, catering staff, and IPL match management personnel, who are barred from carrying communication equipment into the PMOA.

To ensure strict enforcement, secure storage boxes have been installed at every designated entry point to safely hold surrendered electronic devices during matches.

The latest directive reflects the BCCI ACSU’s increasing focus on tackling emerging technological threats and maintaining the integrity of the IPL amid rapid advancements in wearable communication devices.

Cricket administrators believe that stricter monitoring of modern gadgets is essential to prevent unauthorised information sharing, illegal communication, or activities that could compromise the fairness and transparency of the tournament.

Team Maverick