No communicative devices are allowed in the venue's restricted area during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Under his rule, the Anti-Corruption Unit of the league has red-flagged another modern device, 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, inside the restricted area of a venue, none of the team’s players or staff are restricted from doing live-streaming, messaging, and calls.
Why are smart eyewares on the list of prohibited items in IPL?
Amid the ongoing edition of the franchise league, the anti-corruption unit has learned 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 for barring the players and staff from using all kinds of communicative devices is to keep every league match away from incidents like spot fixing and security concerns.
According to a latest report published by the Indian Express, “According to sources, the ACSU flagged 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 communication and potential misuse during matches. Under the IPL’s Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) Minimum Standards, such devices have been classified as “Audio/Video Recording Devices” and “Communication Devices”.
What is the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA)?
PMOA refers to the highly restricted, secure zones in a stadium where only authorized individuals—such as players, coaches, umpires, and Anti-Corruption Officers—are allowed. The rule has been in effect to protect the integrity of the game.
In this ongoing IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals’ manager Romi Bhinder was spotted using a phone in their dug-out during one of their group stage matches. The instance came under scrutiny, and the team manager had to explain why he needed to use a communicative device; in that case, it was a phone.
Under the IPL's Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, 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 breaching rules and imposed a penalty.
Modern technology has led to the latest innovations. In the past, mostly, the phones were considered one of the major communicative devices. Because of modern technology. Eyewear or smartwatches can also be used for the same. So, the anti-corruption unit, in advance, released the advisory for the players and staff in the IPL regarding this.
Who are 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 crackdown underlines the league’s attempt to stay ahead of evolving integrity risks during one of world cricket’s most commercially significant 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 remained within approved access protocols and did not carry unauthorized communication devices into sensitive areas.”
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