NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to revolutionise decision-making with the introduction of a Smart Replay System for the upcoming season, commencing from Friday, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
According to the report, eight high-speed cameras from
Hawk-Eye
will be strategically positioned across the ground. Two operators from Hawk-Eye will work alongside the
TV umpire
, providing them with real-time images as part of the Smart Replay System.
In this new setup, the role of the TV broadcast director, who previously acted as an intermediary between the
Hawk-Eye operators
and the third umpire, will be eliminated.
The Smart Replay System promises to offer the TV umpire access to a wider range of visuals, including split-screen images, compared to the past. For instance, scenarios like a fielder on the boundary rope taking an overhead catch in midair were previously challenging to assess thoroughly. However, with synchronised video footage, including split-screen views of the fielder's feet and hands at the moment of the catch, decisions regarding boundary catches will be more accurate and swift.
This innovative system is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of decision-making during IPL matches, providing a seamless experience for players, officials, and viewers alike.
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Similarly, in cases of overthrows resulting in boundary fours, the Smart Replay System will facilitate a detailed analysis. With a split-screen display, viewers and umpires can now ascertain whether the batsmen were in the process of crossing at the time the fielder released the ball. This advancement is made possible by Hawk-Eye operators capturing precise images of the throw's release moment alongside the positions of the batsmen.
An illustrative example of this enhanced capability can be drawn from the 2019 World Cup final. Previously, the inability of broadcasters to seamlessly merge these crucial images using broadcast cameras and resources hindered the TV umpire's access to such decisive visual evidence. However, with the implementation of the Smart Replay System in the IPL, instances like these can now be reviewed with greater accuracy and efficiency, ensuring fair outcomes in critical moments of the game.
Cricket's 'Super Bowl' Indian Premier League is set to return this week with a blockbuster opening clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a South Indian derby at their home arena - MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
(With ANI inputs)
English (US) ·