ICC plans to widen DRS supplier base

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to introduce a DRS certification system and explore the possibility of accrediting more vendors capable of supplying cost-effective Decision Review System (DRS) technology. The proposal is among the agenda items for the Annual Conference in Edinburgh, where the world governing body is also expected to grant Associate Membership to Mauritius. The Annual Conference is scheduled to be held from July 8 to 11.

Currently, UK-based Hawk-Eye Innovations and New Zealand-based Virtual Eye are the two approved providers of DRS technology for international cricket. However, their services are widely perceived to be expensive, making them unaffordable for many smaller boards and even for franchise and domestic leagues organised by state associations in India. On an average, DRS would cost approximately $ 10,000 (Rs 10 lakh) a day.

A couple of Indian technology firms are understood to be developing a more cost-effective DRS solution and are believed to have made presentations to the ICC. There could also be a few overseas companies in the fray. If the ICC Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) approves the proposed certification system, the ICC could open the door for new suppliers.

"The ICC needs to ensure that DRS implementation undergoes a comprehensive assessment and testing process for both current DRS suppliers and potential suppliers. A DRS certification system will also be explored with a view to making cost-effective DRS options available that can serve the global game," a source in the know explained.

The ICC will also deliberate on whether there is scope to expand beyond the current threshold of four overseas players from Full Member nations in the franchise leagues. "The meeting will discuss whether to broaden the ICC's remit to include domestic franchise leagues that fall outside the existing threshold of tournaments featuring more than four overseas players from Full Member countries," the source said.

The item is consistent with the ICC decision taken at the previous board meeting in Ahmedabad earlier in May. "The Board expressed concern regarding growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess harmonisation of franchise cricket with the international calendar within the current structure," the ICC had said in a statement on June 1.

The world governing body is also expected to consider granting membership to the Mauritius Cricket Federation (MCF). If approved, it will become the ICC's 111th member. Currently there are 12 Full Members and 98 Associate Members.

On July 8, elections will be held for the three Associate Member Director positions. As previously reported by Cricbuzz on June 15, five candidates are in the fray - Mubashir Usmani (UAE), Mahinda Vallipuram (Malaysia), Gurumurthy Palani (France), Rudie van Vuuren (Namibia) and Imran Khwaja (Singapore).

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