DRS in Cricket: History, Rules, and Controversies

Cricket has seen major technological advancements over the years, but few have sparked as much debate as the Decision Review System (DRS). Designed to help umpires make more accurate decisions, DRS has changed the way teams approach critical moments in a match.

Despite its benefits, the system has had its fair share of controversies, rule changes, and heated debates. Let’s take a detailed look at the history, rules, and controversies surrounding DRS in cricket.

History of DRS in Cricket

The need for a review system arose due to several incorrect umpiring decisions that impacted key matches. As technology improved, the International Cricket Council (ICC) looked for ways to assist umpires with better decision-making.

When Was DRS First Used in Cricket?

• The first test match featuring DRS took place in 2008 between India and Sri Lanka.
• In 2011, the system was introduced in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
• 2017 marked the first use of DRS in T20 internationals, beginning with India vs. England.

Why Was DRS Introduced?

The system was introduced to reduce human errors in umpiring. Some of the biggest blunders in cricket history had altered the outcomes of matches, leading to frustration among players and fans. DRS was meant to add fairness and accuracy to the game.

However, not all cricket boards were convinced. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially opposed DRS, citing concerns over the reliability of ball-tracking technology. Eventually, in 2016, India adopted DRS in home Test matches.

How DRS Works: Rules and Process

The Decision Review System (DRS) allows players to challenge on-field umpire decisions using technology. Each team gets a limited number of reviews per innings, depending on the format:

• Test Matches: 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings
• ODIs: 1 unsuccessful review per innings
• T20s: 1 unsuccessful review per innings

Step-by-Step Process of a DRS Review

1. Appeal & Decision: The fielding team or batter can request a review within 15 seconds of the on-field decision.
2. Third Umpire Review: The TV umpire checks the available technology to assess the decision.
3. Technology Use: The review process includes UltraEdge, Ball-Tracking, and HotSpot to determine the correct call.
4. Final Decision: If the original call is overturned, the review is retained. If the decision stands, the team loses the review.

Key Technologies Used in DRS

• UltraEdge/Snicko: Detects sound when the ball passes the bat to determine edges.
• Ball-Tracking (Hawk-Eye): Predicts the ball's path to check LBW appeals.
• HotSpot: Uses infrared imaging to detect contact between bat and ball.

Major Controversies Surrounding DRS in Cricket

Despite its intentions, DRS in cricket has been at the center of controversial moments that left players and fans frustrated.

1. Umpire’s Call - A Confusing Rule

One of the biggest issues with DRS is the Umpire’s Call rule. If less than 50% of the ball is hitting the stumps, the on-field umpire’s original decision stands.

Critics argue that this contradicts the purpose of DRS, as the system acknowledges the ball hitting the stumps but still allows the umpire’s decision to override it.

2. 2019 World Cup Final - Stokes’ Lucky Escape

During the 2019 Cricket World Cup final, Ben Stokes accidentally deflected a throw to the boundary, resulting in overthrows that changed the match’s outcome. While not a direct DRS issue, fans debated whether technology should have intervened in such crucial moments.

3. 2011 India vs. England - HotSpot Failure

The DRS controversy during the 2011 England-India series saw players questioning the accuracy of HotSpot technology. Rahul Dravid was given out despite no visible mark on HotSpot, leading to further doubts about the system’s reliability.

4. Steve Smith’s ‘Brain Fade’ Incident

In 2017, during the India vs. Australia Test, Steve Smith looked at the dressing room for advice before taking a DRS review, which violated the rules. Virat Kohli strongly protested, calling it unfair play.

5. Sachin Tendulkar’s 2008 Dismissal

India’s hesitation towards DRS started in 2008 when Sachin Tendulkar was given out LBW against Sri Lanka. The review process failed, leading to heavy criticism from Indian players and officials.

Does DRS Make Cricket Fairer?

Many experts believe that DRS in cricket has improved decision-making accuracy. According to ICC reports, DRS has corrected nearly 96% of wrong umpiring decisions.

However, criticism remains, especially regarding:

• Inconsistent Umpire’s Call rule
• Limitations of technology (HotSpot, Snicko misreadings)
• Teams losing reviews due to marginal calls

Despite the flaws, the DRS system has evolved and continues to be refined. With advancements in AI and real-time data tracking, we might see a more foolproof version of DRS in the future.

Future of DRS in Cricket

Technology is constantly improving, and cricket boards are discussing potential upgrades to DRS. Some possible changes include:

• Removing Umpire’s Call for a more definitive decision.
• Introducing AI-based umpiring for accurate real-time decisions.
• Increasing the number of reviews to prevent teams from being disadvantaged.

The ICC is continuously monitoring feedback to make DRS more reliable and fair for players and fans.

FAQs About DRS in Cricket

1. Who introduced DRS in cricket?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced DRS in 2008, with the first trial happening during the India vs. Sri Lanka Test series.

2. What is Umpire’s Call in DRS?

Umpire’s Call is a rule in LBW decisions where if the ball is predicted to hit the stumps marginally, the on-field umpire’s original decision stands.

3. How many reviews does a team get in cricket?

• Test Matches: 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
• ODIs & T20s: 1 unsuccessful review per innings.

4. Will DRS ever be 100% accurate?

While technology is improving, human and technical errors still exist. The ICC is working to refine the system for better accuracy.

5. Why was India against DRS initially?

India opposed DRS due to concerns over technology accuracy, particularly HotSpot and Ball-Tracking inconsistencies. They eventually accepted it in 2016.

Final Thoughts

DRS in cricket has brought fairness and accuracy, but controversies still remain. While it has improved umpiring decisions, certain flaws like Umpire’s Call and inconsistent technology continue to frustrate players and fans.

As cricket evolves, so will technology and decision-making systems. Whether DRS undergoes major changes or minor tweaks, its role in modern cricket is undeniable.

Would you like to see DRS rules modified in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments!