The Business Dynamics of DRS in Cricket: A Game-Changer

What led to the introduction of technology in Cricket?

2008 Sydney - India versus Australia in a high-octane test match.

Umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson commit as many as 4 mistakes, which cost India the test match (and eventually the series 2-1).

In an evenly poised series and ICC Cricket tournaments, umpiring howlers have played an integral part, which has affected many countries and players. This is where the need for technology evolved in Cricket. And that led to the introduction of technology.

What technologies are used in Cricket?

The advent of technology in cricket led to the introduction of various products, and there has been a continuous evolution in this. Some of the products being used currently are:

1. Hawk-Eye
2. Snickometer or Ultra Edge
3. Hotspot
4. LED Stumps and Bails
5. Spidercam
6. Bushnell Sporting Optics

All these technologies have evolved over the years and improvised the experience of players and viewers like us. The technology in cricket is used predominantly for three reasons—Ball Tracking, Edge Detection, and Infrared Imaging.

The Cost Aspect of these technologies

Today, Cricket is following money. Franchise cricket is becoming more popular and is filling up the cricket calendar. Now, players have many ways to make money, which is good for them. And this is reflected in the administration functions of the game as well.

So, let us see how costly these technologies are:

• Minimum Cost of basic DRS (4-camera system) - $12,000 - $15,000 per match
• Advanced DRS System (includes Hawk-eye, UltraEdge and Hotspot) - For ODI and T20s: $100,000 per match and For Tests: $300,000 to $500,000 per match

Taking the World Cup 2023, the number of matches was 48; hence, the cost of using technology would have been somewhere in the range of $40,00,000 or upwards.

To validate this, I have referred to a report from Cricbuzz.com stating that the Bangladesh Premier League 2019 opted for a basic package of DRS at $75,000 per match instead of the one with supporting tools, which would have cost them $100,000.

The ongoing Indian Premier League India 2024 has a total of 74 matches. With the advanced tools it has been using, the cost would be a minimum of $100,000 per match, totalling around $74,00,000.

~ INR 62 Crores cost for just using DRS in IPL??????!

Which companies provide these technologies?

As we look at the various evolutions that have transpired in the technology aspect of cricket, here are some companies that have been working in this field:

1. Hawk-Eye Innovations Ltd - Working in this field since 2001, the company specializes in ball-tracking technology and is one of the most widely recognized providers. Hawk-Eye's technology is not just used in cricket but also in tennis, football, and other sports.
2. BBG Sports - Led by Warren Brennan , the company invented Hotspot, which uses infrared cameras to detect heat from friction generated by a contact event, such as a ball hitting a bat. The company also provides ultra-edge technology, which uses sound from microphones and a sophisticated algorithm to detect fine edges.
3. Virtual Eye - Operated by Animation Research Ltd , is another ball-tracking system used in cricket. It’s similar to Hawk-Eye and is used in some cricket broadcasting to track the ball's trajectory.

Finishing It Off

The introduction of technology in cricket, sparked by various human errors (like the 2008 Sydney Test), marked a turning point in how the game addresses fairness and accuracy. From Hawk-Eye to LED stumps, these technologies have made cricket fairer and more exciting for everyone involved.

Despite the high costs, the investment in tech like DRS shows Cricket's commitment to getting it right, backed by major companies leading the charge. This evolution reflects a pursuit of precision and cricket's journey towards a more engaging and just sport.

In wrapping up, the leap towards embracing technology has fundamentally changed cricket for the better, making every match more thrilling and fair. The future looks promising as we continue to see advancements enhancing this beloved game.