The DRS Dilemma...

In the recently concluded Ashes series, cricket was made to look like a very confusing game and it was due to some bad umpiring decisions and controversial use of the technology.

DRS and it’s use has always triggered controversies(both on and off the field) and the debate on ‘whether to use it or not’ has divided cricketing world into two parts:

1) BCCI (against)
2) All the other cricket boards (in favor)

BCCI has been arguing about the accuracy of the technology and they say, ‘it’s not full proof’.

There’s nothing like full-proof technology and in this era of innovations, there will always be a scope for improvement. DRS was introduced to get rid of the howlers and it’s sole purpose was to minimize the umpiring blunders.

For instance; In the first test match of The Ashes 2013, Stuart Broad was given not out after he had edged the ball to first slip. The edge was clearly visible to naked eyes, but for some reason, Aleem Dar did not see the edge and gave it not out. Unfortunately for Australia, Michael Clarke had used all his reviews and Stuart Broad stood his ground. All this led to an ugly controversy and Stuart Broad, who was well withing his rights to stand his ground , received a lot of criticism and the chant of ‘spirit of the game’ was heard all around the cricketing world.

The use of DRS holds great importance in decisions like this, and this is what ‘getting rid of the howlers’ is all about. One bad decision can shift the focus from cricket to other topics and this is not good for the game of cricket. There must be a margin for human errors, but if the technology can help reduce the errors, we must use it.

FLAWS

We have seen hot-spot turning cold and the "umpire’s call" part of Hawk-eye has received a lot of criticism. Off late, the Hot Spot technology has come under scrutiny after several failures to record fine edges. We are far away from being perfect as far as the correct use of DRS is concerned, but a planned and rational approach by the ICC can help in reducing the related controversies.

A technology can have flaws, but it’s application must be in the best possible manner. The Ashes 2013 has highlighted many issues regarding the use of DRS and ICC needs to take a firm stand. This issue must be dealt with utmost priority, because we have seen cricket taking the back seat during the time of such controversies and this is obviously, not good for the game.

MEASURES

1) ICC should ensure that umpires who keep making the howlers are kept away from officiating till they have had a rest period.

2) ICC should draft a committee to ‘re-define’ the use of hot spot and hawk-eye. This committee should involve some of the intelligent voices in the game, like Michael Holding.

3)ICC should try to convince BCCI on DRS, because BCCI holds great power and their support will be useful in improving the situation.

4) The role of TV umpire should be increased and there should more coordination between the on-field umpires and the TV umpire.