BCCI Bans Smart Glasses in Player and Match Officials Area During IPL

Mumbai, May 29: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict ban on the use of smart glasses or sunglasses within the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) during the Indian Premier League (IPL). This directive comes from the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) following reports that certain companies have been promoting and selling high-tech eyewear equipped with advanced communication features to players and team support staff.

According to an internal communication from the BCCI ACSU, these advanced devices pose a direct threat to the strict anti-corruption protocols of the tournament. The smart glasses are capable of live streaming, sending and receiving text messages, and making audio and video calls via mobile data or Wi-Fi networks.

As a result, these glasses are classified under the PMOA’s minimum standards as both “audio/video recording devices” and “communication devices.”

In a statement to all IPL franchises, the ACSU emphasized, “It is notified that the possession and/or use of smart glasses within the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) is completely prohibited. All players and support staff are instructed to deposit their mobile phones, smartwatches, and such devices with the Security Liaison Officer upon entering the PMOA on match days.”

The ACSU has mandated strict rules for depositing devices for players and support staff entering the PMOA, stating that any negligence or failure to submit smart eyewear will incur a fine.

For security and recognition purposes, the PMOA is considered a separate area from the rest of the stadium. Security personnel will be stationed at every entrance at all times. Access is restricted to players, support staff, match officials, and a few designated individuals with special accreditation.

According to IPL’s anti-corruption regulations, the use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices in the PMOA is permitted only for certain team members. The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room area but not in the dugout.

Analysts are allowed to use their computers at their designated analyst tables. Players and support staff must submit their devices—such as phones, smartwatches, or any other communication tools—turned off to the team’s Security Liaison Officer upon arrival at the stadium.

Recognized staff, including dressing room attendants, IPL match managers, and catering staff, are prohibited from bringing communication devices into the PMOA. Secure boxes will be available at every entrance for the safe storage of these devices.