BCCI announces tighter sunglasses security protocols ahead of IPL 2026 Final — Here's what's changing

Just a couple of evenings before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a tighter security protocol on sunglasses and issued an advisory for the franchises disallowing the use of smart sunglasses.

That equipment is being used by the players and the support staff inside the Players and Match Office Area (PMOA) on the match days. It has been learnt that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has been concerned about the smart sunglasses’ ability to live stream, send text messages, and make calls via mobile or WIFI networks.

What are the new BCCI sunglasses rules for IPL 2026 Final — And why did they suddenly tighten security?

Under the protocols of the PMOA, the use of audio or video recording devices and a communication device has been prohibited on match days. The teams have been cautioned against the use of those smart googles, as they would invite penalties under the PMOA.

Earlier in the statement, the Indian cricket board released an advisory statement for all ten teams, warning them of the honey-trap risks.  

“The BCCI draws the attention of all Franchises to the well-documented risks of targeted compromise and honey-trapping that pervade high-profile sporting environments.” The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, expressed in the advisory.

“The possibility of incidents giving rise to serious legal allegations, including those under applicable laws on sexual misconduct, cannot be discounted. IPL franchise management must remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating such risks at all times.” He added.

Players, support staff & officials — Who does the new sunglasses protocol apply to at the IPL 2026 Final?

Earlier, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, was fined INR 1 lakh for the use of smartphones in the dugout. He had breached Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI IPL PMOA protocols.

See Also: BCCI may shift IPL window to September–October — Here's what we know

The IPL sides were suggested against the players and support members leaving the team hotels at the wee hours. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also been warned against the players and staff hosting the guests and visitors in their private hotel rooms instead of designated public areas. The players will also have to get the permission of the manager in writing if any outsider has entered the players’ private rooms.

Due to the ongoing corruption around the world, the Indian board has taken such steps for the smooth process of the competition.

GT vs RR Qualifier 2 Tonight — Who faces RCB in the IPL 2026 Final

The Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) earned a massive 92-run win over the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala to qualify for their second successive final of the tournament.

See Also: What happens if GT vs RR IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 is washed out — Who goes to the final?

The GT side flew to the Maharaj Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, in New Chandigarh to play the second qualifier, where they will be up against the Rajasthan Royals, who reached the stage after the Eliminator victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The final of the second qualifier will head to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to face RCB in the IPL 2026 final on May 31.