BCCI bans smart glasses for players and officials in IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit has banned the use of smart sunglasses and similar eyewear by players and officials within restricted areas during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The directive, issued to all franchises, mandates that such devices be surrendered to security personnel on match days.

Officials stated the prohibition is due to the advanced communication capabilities of the smart glasses, which can livestream video, send text messages, and make audio or video calls via mobile data or Wi-Fi networks. Under the tournament’s Player and Match Officials Area Minimum Standards, these devices are now classified as both audio-video recording equipment and communication devices. Their possession or use within the PMOA, which includes dressing rooms and dugouts, is now strictly prohibited.

All players and support staff have been instructed to deposit any smart eyewear with the venue’s Security Liaison Officer before entering the PMOA on match days. The devices must be handed over alongside other prohibited items like mobile phones and smartwatches. The board warned that failure to comply will be considered a breach of...