The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to consider a proposal to expand the number of approved Decision Review System (DRS) technology providers as part of a wider effort to make the system more affordable and accessible across the global game, according to a report by Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore. The proposal forms part of the agenda for the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, which runs from July 8 to 11 and is expected to address several governance and strategic matters.
A push to make DRS more accessible
At present, only UK-based Hawk-Eye Innovations and New Zealand-based Virtual Eye are approved to provide DRS technology for international cricket. While both systems are widely used at the highest level, the cost of implementation has remained a significant barrier for many smaller cricket boards, as well as domestic competitions and franchise leagues.
DRS is estimated to cost around US$10,000 (approx. ₹10 lakh) per day, placing it beyond the budgets of many competitions outside the sport’s wealthiest markets.
According to the Cricbuzz report, a number of Indian technology companies have already presented lower-cost DRS solutions to the ICC, while additional overseas firms are also understood to be exploring opportunities to enter the market. Should the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee approve the proposed certification framework, it could pave the way for additional accredited suppliers.
A source told Cricbuzz: “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.”
Franchise cricket discussions to continue
Alongside the DRS proposal, ICC officials are also expected to revisit the governing body’s approach to franchise cricket as leagues continue to expand around the world.
The source noted: “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 proposal follows discussions at the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad earlier this year. In an official statement issued on June 1, the ICC said: “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 review forms part of the ICC’s wider effort to assess how the rapid growth of franchise cricket can be balanced with the international calendar and existing governance framework.
Membership and Board elections also on the agenda
The Annual Conference is also expected to consider granting Associate Membership to the Mauritius Cricket Federation. If approved, Mauritius would become the ICC’s 111th member, taking the governing body’s membership to 12 Full Members and 99 Associate Members.
Governance matters will also feature prominently, with elections due to take place on July 8 for three Associate Member Director positions on the ICC Board.
As previously reported by cricexec, five candidates are contesting the three available seats: Mubashir Usmani (United Arab Emirates), Mahinda Vallipuram (Malaysia), Gurumurthy Palani (France), Rudie van Vuuren (Namibia) and Imran Khwaja (Singapore).
Decisions taken during the Edinburgh conference on DRS certification, franchise cricket governance, Associate Membership and Board representation are expected to shape several key aspects of the ICC’s strategic direction in the months ahead.
