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BCCI apex council to address DRS issue in domestic cricket amid ₹150 Cr financial hurdle

Akshita Patel

BCCI pushing for DRS in domestic cricket [Source: @7Cricket, @BCCI/X.com]BCCI pushing for DRS in domestic cricket [Source: @7Cricket, @BCCI/X.com]

The BCCI has taken its first small step towards introducing the Decision Review System (DRS) in domestic cricket. While there is no final decision yet, the issue was discussed at the recent Apex Council meeting held online on December 22, confirming that the idea is now officially on the table.

According to Cricbuzz, BCCI officials remain cautious and non-committal about rolling out DRS across domestic tournaments. 

However, the Apex Council has asked office-bearers to study the proposal further and examine whether it is practically and financially possible.

BCCI is facing financial constraints in introducing DRS

The biggest hurdle in introducing DRS at the domestic level is cost. The ICC-approved Hawk-Eye technology, which powers DRS, costs between $10,000 and $15,000 per match day, translating to roughly ₹9 lakh per day. 

With the BCCI conducting more than 1,500 domestic matches every year, the total annual cost could easily cross ₹150 crore. 

BCCI reportedly acknowledged that such an expense would be extremely heavy, especially considering the number of match days across formats like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

This is why the board has so far resisted implementing DRS in domestic cricket, despite frequent calls from players and coaches.

The board is to explore cheaper alternatives

There is, however, a possible alternative. The BCCI apparently informed the Apex Council that an indigenous DRS system is currently being developed and tested in India, reportedly by a group of IIT engineers.

This homegrown technology could cost just $2,000-3,000 per day, making it far more affordable. 

That being said, concerns remain over its accuracy and speed, and officials believe it will take time before it is ready for full-scale use.

DRS is an effective technology now commonly used in franchise leagues across the world. Its integration into domestic cricket will be a major boost, and it will also ensure that fairness prevails.