Cricket Australia expected to introduce DRS technology for Big Bash League

After years of begging and pleading, the sought-after DRS technology is expected to finally be introduced into the Big Bash League.

Mitchell Marsh of the Scorchers. Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

After abandoning the introduction of the Decision Review System last year, Cricket Australia is strongly considering using the sought-after technology in the upcoming Big Bash League.

Due to logistical and financial complications, partly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, CA has been reluctant to introduce the DRS, which has become commonplace in international cricket and overseas tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and The Hundred.

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But as first reported by The Age, Big Bash teams are expected to be permitted one unsuccessful review per innings this summer, with 15 seconds available to make the request.

The BBL will be played across 14 venues this season, and ensuring the review system is available for all 61 matches comes as a huge logistical challenge to CA — transporting equipment and operators from state to state was practically impossible last summer due to border restrictions.

Taking the full suite of technologies to regional venues is particularly costly — it’s estimated that having the Hawkeye, Snicko and ball-tracking available for the entire competition could cost up to $2 million.

Peter Siddle of the Strikers appeals. Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images

“The providers have said that the BBL is probably one of the most complex competitions in the world given the number of games, states and venues across multiple broadcasters,” Alistair Dobson, general manager of Big Bash Leagues, told ESPNcricinfo last year.

“While there was the potential to bring it in during a normal year, all the additional challenges have meant it’s not going to be possible this season which is disappointing in a way, but whatever we bring we want to make sure it’s reliable and the integrity of the competition can be maintained.”

Several players and pundits have called for the technological aid’s introduction, which would help reduce the number of incorrect on-field umpiring decisions.

I’m sorry but who is in charge of the umpires in Australia ? Every game we see horrible mistakes & it’s embarrassing for the BBL completion ! The big bash is a wonderful tournament but it’s fast becoming a joke and could ruin players careers. Please can we have DRS immediately !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 28, 2020

“This game is moving forward quicker than a lot of people realise,” England batter Laurie Evans, who was retained by the Perth Scorchers at the Big Bash League Draft, told reporters on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot on the line for a lot of people … just an individual decision can change a career.

“A competition of this magnitude needs to have everything available to it, and be played at the highest possible level.

“DRS is one of those things we’re getting used to now as players around the T20 circuit, so it’s a great decision to have it.”

The late Shane Warne was also an outspoken advocate for DRS technology in the Big Bash, telling Fox Cricket in 2020: “Enough is enough. If we want to take this competition seriously, we’ve got to have DRS.

“Cricket Australia just have to pay for it. We can’t have these decisions.”

The 12th edition of the Big Bash League gets underway on Tuesday, December 13.

Originally published as Cricket Australia expected to introduce DRS technology for Big Bash League