The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has issued a strict ban on the use of ‘Smart Goggles’ or sunglasses within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). This decision follows reports of companies marketing high-tech eyewear with advanced communication features to players and team support staff. These smart eyewear devices have functionalities that violate the tournament’s anti-corruption protocols.
The ACSU communicated internally that these smart goggles have features like live streaming, text messaging, and audio/video calling through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks. As per the PMOA Minimum Standards, these devices are considered both ‘Audio/Video Recording Devices’ and ‘Communication Devices.’ Therefore, the possession or use of ‘Smart Goggles’ is strictly prohibited within the PMOA, as per the directives sent to all IPL franchises.
Players and support staff are instructed to surrender such devices, along with their mobile phones and smartwatches, to the Security Liaison Officer (SLO) upon entering the PMOA on match days. Failure to comply with this directive will be considered a breach of the PMOA protocols, leading to penalties under the PMOA Minimum Standards for IPL 2026.
The PMOA is a restricted area within the stadium, managed by security personnel, and accessible only to authorized individuals like players, officials, and support staff. Mobile phones and electronic communication devices are not allowed in the PMOA, except for specific team members. The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room but not in the dugout, while the analyst can operate a computer at the analyst table. All communication devices must be turned off and stored with the team SLO upon arrival at the stadium.
