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No communication devices are allowed in the restricted area of the venue during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Under his regime, the league’s anti-corruption unit has red-flagged another modern devices, i.e., smart watches, goggles and sunglasses, which are capable of live-streaming, sending and receiving text messages and making audio and video calls through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks.
During a league match, no team player or staff is prohibited from live-streaming, messaging and making calls inside the restricted area of a venue.
Why are smart eyeglasses in the list of banned items in IPL?
Amid the ongoing edition of the franchise league, the anti-corruption unit has discovered that some companies are actively involved in marketing or selling smart eyewear products to players and team personnel participating in the IPL.
The main goal of preventing players and staff from using all types of communication devices is to keep each league match away from incidents like spot-fixing and security concerns.
According to a latest report published by the Indian Express, “According to sources, ACSU informed that these smart devices are capable of live-streaming, sending and receiving text messages and making audio and video calls through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks, raising concerns over unauthorized communications and potential misuse during matches. Under the IPL’s Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) minimum standards, such devices are classified as “audio/video recording devices” and “communications equipment”.
What is Player and Match Official Area (PMOA)?
PMOA refers to highly restricted, secure areas in a stadium where only authorized individuals – such as players, coaches, umpires and anti-corruption officers – are allowed. This rule is in effect to protect the integrity of the game.
In this ongoing IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a phone in the dug-out during one of their group stage matches. The matter came under investigation, and the team manager had to explain why he needed to use the communication device; In that case, it was a phone.
Under the IPL’s Players and Match Officials’ Area (PMOA) protocols, team managers are allowed to use mobile phones inside the dressing room for emergencies, but are strictly prohibited from using them in the dugout. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accused Romi Bhinder of violating the rules and fined her.
Modern technology has given rise to the latest inventions. In the past, mostly, phones were considered as one of the major communication devices. Due to modern technology. Eyewear or smartwatch can also be used for this. Therefore, the Anti-Corruption Unit had already issued an advisory in this regard for the players and staff in IPL.
Who is not allowed to carry these prohibited items inside the restricted area during an IPL match?
“With wearable technology becoming more sophisticated and concerns growing over covert communication methods, the ACSU’s latest action underlines the league’s effort to stay ahead of emerging integrity risks during one of world cricket’s most commercially important tournaments,” sources told the media house.
The report further mentioned, “Teams were advised to ensure that net bowlers, logistics staff, throwdown specialists and other temporary personnel remain within approved access protocols and do not carry unauthorized communication devices in sensitive areas.”
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