Strict Advisory Issued

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has prohibited the use of smart sunglasses during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, classifying them as potential communication devices that could compromise match integrity.

Anti-Corruption Measures Strengthened

In a fresh advisory to all IPL franchises, the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACSU) directed players, support staff, and match officials to deposit their phones, smartwatches, and smart sunglasses with the Security Liaison Officer (SLO) before entering the dressing room or dugout on match days. Any violation will invite strict action, including fines.

The move comes amid growing concerns over possible breaches in the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). The board has also reiterated its earlier directives banning players from late-night outings without permission and restricting guests in hotel rooms, citing security and anti-honey-trapping measures.

Smart Sunglasses Classified as Risk

The BCCI has explicitly categorised smart sunglasses or goggles as both audio/video recording devices and communication devices. These gadgets, equipped with mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity, allow live streaming, messaging, and calls — features that violate existing security protocols.

“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 in its advisory. Possession or use of such smart goggles inside the PMOA is now strictly prohibited.

Recent Violations Prompt Crackdown

This latest directive follows multiple code of conduct breaches in the ongoing IPL season. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was earlier fined ₹1 lakh by the ACSU after he was caught using a mobile phone inside the team dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on April 10.

In another incident, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was penalised 25% of his match fee for smoking an e-cigarette in the dressing room during a game against Punjab Kings. E-cigarettes have been banned in India since 2019.

Public and Industry Reactions

The ban on smart sunglasses has drawn attention especially after cricketer Virat Kohli appeared in promotional campaigns for Meta’s smart glasses. While Kohli’s association was purely commercial, it highlighted the growing popularity of such wearable tech and the potential risks in high-stakes cricket environments.

Team officials across franchises have been briefed on the new rules. Many have welcomed the clarity, though some support staff privately expressed concerns over the increasing restrictions on match days.

Background and Broader Context

The BCCI has been progressively tightening its anti-corruption and security framework in the IPL. The league, which attracts massive viewership and betting interest globally, remains a high-priority area for the board’s vigilance unit. Officials believe such preventive steps are essential to protect the game’s integrity, especially with advanced gadgets becoming more common.

Players are expected to comply without resistance, though the additional checks may add to the pre-match routine for support staff managing multiple devices.

What Lies Ahead

With the IPL still midway through its season, the BCCI is likely to monitor compliance closely. Any repeat violations could lead to heavier penalties, including possible suspensions. The board is also expected to issue similar advisories for other cricket formats under its control in the coming months.

The development underscores the constant challenge of balancing player convenience with the need to safeguard cricket from external threats in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Delhi Crime Branch Busts IPL Ticket Black-Marketing Gang Near Arun Jaitley Stadium

In a major crackdown ahead of high-stakes IPL matches, the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested three members of an organised racket involved in black-marketing of IPL tickets and complimentary passes. The operation, carried out on March 8 near Delhi Gate, exposed how the accused had allegedly turned a petrol pump close to the Arun Jaitley Stadium into a thriving ticket hotspot.

The arrests came just before the Kolkata Knight Riders versus Delhi Capitals match. Police said the accused were posing as authorised representatives of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to dupe eager cricket fans.

Petrol Pump Became Ticket Hub

According to officials, the gang operated brazenly from a petrol pump near the stadium. Initial reports indicate that fans were approached discreetly and offered tickets at inflated prices. The modus operandi was simple yet effective — they sold regular match tickets at nearly double the printed rate while complimentary passes, marked “Not For Sale,” were peddled for as high as ₹20,000 each.

During the raid, the Crime Branch team recovered 54 tickets, including 33 complimentary passes, along with ₹25,000 in cash. The three arrested have been identified as Muqeem from Moradabad, Gufran alias Sajid from Jamia Nagar, and Mohammad Faisal from Seelampur.

Nationwide Network Using Flights

Investigation has revealed that the syndicate was not limited to Delhi. Sources familiar with the matter said the accused frequently flew to different cities hosting IPL matches, supplying premium tickets and passes to select clients. These included online bettors and even high-profile pickpockets who operated inside stadiums. Police are now probing the source of the large number of complimentary passes that reached the gang.

The timing of the bust coincided with strong demand for the KKR-DC clash. Kolkata eventually won the match by eight wickets, with opener Finn Allen scoring a century, but for many fans who had paid premium rates outside, the excitement was marred by the black-marketing scandal.

Accused Had Prior Records

All three arrested individuals are said to be habitual offenders. The Crime Branch confirmed that multiple cases of ticket black-marketing have already been registered against them in Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. One of the accused, Faisal, also faces a case under the Gambling Act in Punjab.

DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav stated that the accused have been remanded in police custody. “Investigation is ongoing to identify other members of this syndicate. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved,” he added. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

 Impact on Genuine Fans

The racket highlights a recurring problem during the IPL season when demand for tickets far outstrips supply. Many genuine supporters, especially those travelling from outside Delhi, often fall prey to such touts. Local residents near the stadium reported seeing suspicious activity around the petrol pump in the days leading up to the match, with people discreetly exchanging cash for tickets.

This is not an isolated incident. Similar rackets have been busted outside other venues, including the Ekana Sports City Stadium in Lucknow earlier this season, indicating a well-connected inter-state network.

 Police Intensify Vigil

With the IPL progressing and several high-profile matches still lined up in Delhi, security agencies have stepped up checks around the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Officials have appealed to fans to buy tickets only through authorised channels and report any suspicious offers immediately.

The Crime Branch is examining digital trails, including possible links to online resellers and middlemen within cricket administration circles. Further arrests are expected if the probe uncovers larger players in the supply chain of complimentary passes.

As cricket fever continues across the country, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the need for tighter regulation and real-time monitoring of ticket distribution to protect fans from exploitation.

BCCI Shifts IPL 2026 Final from Chinnaswamy Over Ticket Demands

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has moved the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) demanded thousands of complimentary tickets beyond the permitted quota, including allocations for local MLAs. 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision on Friday while also announcing stricter measures against unauthorised persons travelling with teams. The developments come amid growing concerns over player conduct and security risks during the ongoing tournament.

Ticket row forces venue change

Saikia told reporters that the BCCI follows a standard protocol under which host associations receive 15 percent of the stadium’s seating capacity as complimentary tickets. KSCA, however, sought a significantly higher number, including extra tickets for members, affiliated clubs, and notably, 700 tickets for the Karnataka government and local legislators.

“Over and above the 15% complimentary ticket quota, they were demanding approximately 10,000 additional tickets,” Saikia said. He described the demands as “frivolous” and stated that the BCCI, as the host body for playoffs and final, could not violate its own rules. The shift to Narendra Modi Stadium was therefore unavoidable.

The announcement came a day after the BCCI unveiled the playoff schedule, leaving many Bengaluru fans disappointed. Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere, has hosted several high-profile IPL matches, but logistical and protocol issues prevailed this time.

Unauthorised persons in team buses flagged

In parallel, the BCCI is tightening oversight on team movements. Saikia revealed that the board has noticed “irregularities” involving unauthorised individuals, including on team buses and inside team hotels. 

“We will issue an advisory to all franchises and players. There are certain protocols in place, and if anyone fails to follow them, the BCCI will take appropriate action,” he told IANS. Reports suggest some players were seen travelling with rumoured partners, prompting the board’s intervention.

Honey-trap risks prompt fresh alert

The board has gone further by issuing a detailed seven-page guideline warning franchises about honey-trapping risks in high-profile sporting events. The communication, sent on Thursday evening, highlights the potential for serious legal allegations, including those related to sexual misconduct.

“The BCCI draws the attention of all Franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping,” the guideline stated. Franchise management has been asked to remain “vigilant and proactive” in mitigating such threats.

Background and protocol clarity

Host associations usually enjoy certain privileges during major IPL events, but the 15 percent cap on complimentary tickets is a long-standing norm intended to balance stakeholder interests and maintain transparency. Saikia emphasised that all state units follow the same guideline, making KSCA’s request stand out.

The decision to relocate the final underscores the BCCI’s insistence on adhering to protocols, especially for the showpiece matches that draw massive global viewership and revenue.

Impact on fans and franchises

For Bengaluru cricket enthusiasts, the shift represents a significant letdown. The city had prepared to host the climax of what has been another commercially successful IPL season. Tickets for the final are expected to be in high demand in Ahmedabad, which has successfully hosted previous high-stakes matches at the world-class Narendra Modi Stadium.

Franchises have been put on notice. The combination of conduct-related advisories and venue-related decisions signals a firmer stance from the apex body as the tournament enters its business end. Players and support staff are likely to face stricter checks on guest access and travel arrangements in the coming days.

What lies ahead

The BCCI is expected to issue the formal advisory to all ten franchises shortly. Officials indicated that repeated violations could invite penalties, though specific sanctions have not yet been detailed. The focus remains on ensuring the integrity and smooth conduct of the league while protecting players from external risks.

The final at Narendra Modi Stadium is now set to be the season’s grand finale, with the exact date and time already communicated as part of the playoff schedule.