The BCCI is considering the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) in domestic cricket as it seeks to address long-standing criticism over the management and broadcast quality of India’s domestic matches.
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According to a report by Cricbuzz, the issue was discussed at a recent apex council meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. While DRS was deliberated upon, no final decision was taken. The board is first assessing the cost of implementing the system across all three formats of domestic cricket. At present, DRS is used only in high-profile matches.
How much will the DRS Cost?
One of the biggest hurdles is the cost of Hawk-Eye technology, a key component of DRS. The London-based system costs around ₹10 lakh per day to operate. With approximately 1,500 domestic matches played every year. Many of them are scheduled simultaneously, so the total cost of full-scale implementation is estimated to exceed ₹100 crore.
BCCI exploring alternative arrangements
The report also said the BCCI is exploring alternative arrangements to reduce expenses. Some IIT students are reportedly working on a potential alternative to DRS, which could cut costs by more than half if successful. However, the system will require extensive testing before it can be implemented, a process expected to take several months.
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DRS has become an integral part of world cricket, from international matches to franchise leagues, as it helps umpires make more accurate decisions and eases the burden of on-field officiating. The absence of DRS in India’s domestic cricket has therefore remained a point of contention.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has extended its contract with Tech Mahindra, the company responsible for developing its app and website, by six months. The company had sought a 12-month extension, but the board approved only a half-year extension.
