Apex Council deliberates on DRS in domestic cricket

Will the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduce the Decision Review System (DRS) in domestic cricket? While there is no immediate indication, Cricbuzz confirms the topic was discussed at a recent Apex Council meeting, marking a first step towards its potential implementation.

BCCI officials remain non-committal but have stated that office-bearers will examine the suggestion raised during the December 22 online meeting.

The primary obstacle is cost. ICC-approved Hawkeye technology for DRS can cost between $10,000-15,000 (approximately ₹9 lakh minimum) per match day. With the BCCI conducting over 1,500 games annually, the total number of match days is substantial. Implementing DRS across domestic cricket using Hawkeye could incur annual costs exceeding ₹150 crore.

As an alternative, an indigenous technology system is under development and experimentation, reportedly by some IITians, at an estimated cost of $2,000-3,000 per day. However, the accuracy and speed of this system are still being verified and tested. While it may take time for a domestic DRS system to materialize, formal discussions have begun.

BCCI extends Tech Mahindra deal

Separately, the BCCI has granted a six-month extension to Tech Mahindra, which manages the board's website and mobile applications. The company had sought a 12-month extension, but the Apex Council approved only six months. The original agreement was valid until December 31, 2024, and had previously been extended to December 31, 2025.

A BCCI note states this extension ensures seamless operation of its digital properties, including coverage of international and domestic tournaments, while a consolidated Request for Proposal (RFP) process for digital platform management nears completion.

The BCCI sought a six-month extension beyond December 31, 2025, to ensure operational continuity during the transition to a new service provider. Tech Mahindra, however, maintained that any further extension should be for 12 months, creating a divergence in positions.

Consequently, the BCCI is evaluating alternative solutions to safeguard the continuity and stability of its digital operations. This includes assessing options within the existing contract, potential interim arrangements with Tech Mahindra, and exploring phased transition plans with the prospective new service provider identified through the RFP process.