How Technology Changed the Game Called Sports

Decision Review System (Cricket)

This technology based system is used in cricket to assist the match officials with their decision-making. It was first used in a test match of India vs Sri Lanka in 2008 and was officially launched by the ICC on 24^th November 2009 during NZ and Pakistan. Later ICC made in mandatory in all the formats and the system has three components: Hawk-Eye (virtual ball tracking technology that is used in decisions on LBW calls), Hot-spot (an infra-red imaging system to find out inside edges in close LBW and caught behind calls) and Snickometer (used to find slight edges by using directional microphones to spot small sounds).

A challenge can only be made by the captain within a 15-second window from when an initial decision is made. After the challenge is invoked, acknowledged, and agreed, the Third Umpire reviews the play. The Third Umpire then reports to the on-field umpire whether his analysis supports the original call, contradicts the call, or is inconclusive. Then, on-field umpire makes the final decision. Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his frustration after the 4^th ODI vs Australia in Mohali in 2019, as “It’s becoming more of a talking point every game. It’s just not consistent at all”.