Decision Review System (DRS)

• What is DRS (Decision Review System)?

  • A technology-driven system used to help umpires make more accurate decisions in cricket.

  • Introduced in 2008.

• Purpose:

  • Assists with contentious on-field decisions (e.g., LBW, caught behind).

  • Increases fairness, transparency, and accuracy in umpiring.

• How it works:

  • Teams can request a review if they believe a decision is incorrect.

  • The third umpire uses technology to analyze available data and make a more accurate call.

• Key technologies involved:

  • Hawk-Eye—tracks the ball’s path, used especially for LBW decisions.

  • Snickometer / UltraEdge – detects faint edges off the bat.

  • Front foot technology—checks for no-balls.

• Review rules:

  • Each team has a limited number of reviews per inning.

  • If the review is successful/the umpire’s call, the team retains the review.

• Impact on cricket:

  • Has significantly reduced umpiring errors and controversies.

  • Widely used in international formats, including Tests and ODIs.

  • Considered an essential part of modern cricket.