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.