Decision Review System for Test Matches and ODIs, Modified

Even as the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) continued to discuss important issues at their Hong Kong session, a major decision was already announced; a decision that is poised to change the way the gentleman’s game would be viewed, quite literally from here on. The meeting which was well attended by the former as well as the current players had a crucial issue at hand; that of the usage of technologies in the one of the country’s most loved sports – Cricket. In times like these.. The previously employed DRS or the Decision Review System, according to a report on ESPN cricinfo will undergo a major modification, glimpses of which will be visible in the upcoming India – England series. The new system, according to the standards approved by the committee will include infra-red cameras, and audio-tracking devices, and will be mandatory for both Tests and one-day matches across all countries. Among the edits made by the committee was the exclusion of the ball-tracking system, in the sense that its inclusion is not mandatory, from now on. The ball-tracking technology was a boon, in many ways to the game, which is often plagued with the confusion that surrounds most LBW scenarios. Umpires now, will have to rely on their expertise and Hot Spot (infrared, thermal-imaging camera) to affirm, or declare otherwise. In addition to the Hot Spot, umpires also will have the benefit of audio tracking, as a replacement to Snicko. According to BCCI Vice President, Niranjan Shah, the cost of DRS usage would mount the costs to as much as $60,000 per match.