Cric-Tech!

Recently, the fight between BCCI and ICC regarding the implementation of UDRS has made me pen down this piece. My mind went into a tizzy, when I read in newspapers of the cold war brewing up, with BCCI against UDRS and various small nations’ cricket governing bodies, who are in support of this new system. And so in this piece, I have tried to put up my views on DRS and some other on-field innovations that have took place in the past two decades.

Match Referee

In early 90s, cricket grew into a high-stake sport with a sudden increase in both number of players and followers. Thus, there was an urgent need for a neutral authority to oversee the matches at all the levels. Third-country umpires were fine to ensure impartial decision-making, but there were factors beyond their scope: ground conditions, player facilities at a venue, and most importantly the tricky matter of keeping players from infringing the ICC’s code of conduct. Enter the match referee, an ICC-appointed official, usually a former international player of repute to police the gentleman’s game. Since then, referees have been a regular part of this game.

Third Empire

Soon, there was a realization that there was a need of greater accuracy in the game, as the stakes got higher. As the matches was aired on television, and the new slow motion feature in particular, was undermining the authority of umpires, exposing his every mistake. Passionate followers and critics began slamming the umpires and authorities for improper decision making. It was apparent soon that there was a need of electronic video back up for the on field umpires.

And finally in 1992, for the first time appeared the third umpire. From then onwards, the third umpire has been used to supplement the role of the two umpires on the ground. The third umpire sits off the ground, and has access to all the TV cameras in certain doubtful situations such as disputing catches, boundaries, run outs and LBWs to advise the central umpires. Although he is equally qualified, he only interferes when he is asked by the on field umpires. All his decisions are completely independent of umpires’ decision.

Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS)

Well, finally let’s come to the buzzing issue in Cricket community – UDRS. It’s been 4 years, since this system took birth and still ICC has not been able to come up with the decision regarding its use or any other better alternative which could satisfy all the cricketing nations. ICC had made the use of UDRS compulsory in 2010 but soon had to withdraw its decision due to certain reasons. Since, then there has been complete chaos regarding implementation of this system.

Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), currently in its experimental phase is an opportunity for any player on field to challenge umpire’s decision. Although, the challenge is acknowledged in situations which may result in dismissal of a batsman. A fielding team may use the system to dispute a “not out” call, whereas a batting team may use the DRS to challenge the umpire on a “out” call. It comprises of certain technological components, which help in determining concrete decisions.

1) Hawk Eye

2) Hot Spot

Rules

1) Each team is allowed to make two unsuccessful reviews per innings in any match to challenge the decisions of on field umpires in any dismissal disputes.

2) For LBW reviews, the following aspects are considered –

Wicket: The batsman is called ‘out’ if the technology illustrates that the centre of the ball would have hit the stumps within an area delimited by a line drawn beneath the lower edge of the bails and down the center of the outer stump.

Pitching: The decision is to be given as ‘not out’ by the umpire, if the technology demonstrates that the centre of the ball pitched outside leg stump.

Impact: The result is given as an ‘out,’ if the centre of the ball is between wicket and wicket at the point of impact, according to the technology.

3) Under the DRS rule only clearly incorrect decisions are reversed; if the Third Umpire’s analysis is inconclusive, the on-field umpire’s original call stands.

Why is it not being made mandatory for all matches?

Firstly, it is way too expensive. It involves Hotspot, which costs approx $10k a day and also Hawk Eye involves lots of cameras and technicians, which is again not easily affordable. Here comes the fight between various cricket councils and ICC, where both the parties are asking each other to sponsor this technology. This has led to the ICC to come to a decision in which the two nations playing any match should themselves decide about using DRS and even fund the same mutually.

Secondly, the pressure by the Board of Cricket Council in India( BCCI ) on ICC to withdraw its decision of making UDRS compulsory. BCCI is one of the most powerful Cricket Councils in world and also holds a lion’s share in ICC and thus, was easily able to make ICC change its mind. BCCI’s opposition to this new system is still uncertain as BCCI’s secretary Sanjay Jagdale maintains “We wish to clarify that while the DRS was discussed at the meeting, the BCCI’s stance on the same is unchanged. The BCCI continues to believe that the system is not foolproof. The Board also sticks to its view that the decision on whether or not to use the DRS for a particular series should be left to the Boards involved in that series.”

If rumors are to be believed, BCCI have also used its financial might to silent other Cricket boards who are in support of this system.

I feel that UDRS is a must-have-technology. I agree to the fact that is a bit too expensive, but either, alternative cheaper technology needs to be found out or else sponsors must be considered, who will fund DRS in each and every match. I think that ICC’s approach of leaving the decision on the boards is inappropriate and will discourage the number of matches, between small nations who cannot afford it and rich cricket boards. So hopefully, ICC will come up with a solution soon in its September meet this year, and I just hope by the end of 2012 UDRS will be a part of each and every match.

A similar article discussing incredible technologies like Hawk Eye, Hot Spot will follow up soon.