India's tour of Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka wants ICC to rethink on UDRS policy
The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), since its introduction has faced different controversies. Some have supported the use of new technology while others have avoided it. In a recently held meeting of the ICC, the decision regarding the UDRS implementation was made. According to ICC rules, the host country will decide whether to use the UDRS system or not. The host country will make this decision after consultation with the visiting team. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 made 11 successful reviews while India failed to capitalize on this new technology.
India is touring Sri Lanka and they have decided not to use the UDRS since India is not comfortable with this new technology. Sri Lanka was interested in using this new technology to the fullest but sources say that India rejected the offer because the host broadcasters did not have the required technology. Secretary SLC http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nishantha-Ranatunga-c79713 clarified that India has not given any reason for this decision. Ranatunga feels that players will be at a disadvantage for not using the UDRS. Ranatunga said, “Definitely it will be a disadvantage. Not only for Sri Lanka, it's a disadvantage for India as well. It's a disadvantage for all the players”.
India’s little master Sachin Tendulkar was not impressed by the UDRS either. Sachin said that the UDRS has failed because a majority of the broadcasters lack the required technology. Tendulkar however thinks that “the Hot Spot” is a better substitute to figure out whether the ball hit the bat or the glove.
Nishantha Ranatunga said, “The decision at the ICC meeting was that both the teams should agree with having the DRS system. When we checked with India, they were not happy to have it”.
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara was also unhappy with the recent decision of the ICC which does not make UDRS compulsory for all test matches. The left-handed batsman wants the ICC to step up its effort for enforcing the UDRS in all test matches. Kumar also said that if required, the ICC should make necessary payment for this new technology because it’s the ICC’s idea to introduce newer methods for reviewing a decision. Sangakkara further added, “I was under the impression that the ICC has set the standards on this by saying that everyone should use the DRS system, I think last year in India also, the entire team felt a little hard done by when we came to know that we couldn't have the DRS”.
Indian captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 explained his team’s position on the UDRS. Dhoni clarified that his team has genuine concerns with this technology which is not 100% accurate. He argued that why should anyone challenge a decision when the best available technology is not being used. Dhoni stressed on the need to use better technology in the shape of “the Hot Spot”. "We have seen that, in spite of having the DRS, not everything goes correct. Most of the teams have played a series under the DRS, so it is important now to come up with a foolproof plan. See what exactly works. In a bat-pad scenario, Hot Spot really works; it is close to over 98 % correct. Even on LBW decisions, we need to have something like that”, Dhoni added.
The three test match series will start from the 18th of July at Galle, before moving to Colombo for the second test. The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground will host the second test match while the third test will be played at P. Sara Stadium. Sri Lanka has a weak track record against India in test match cricket. The Sri Lankan tigers have played a total of 32 test matches against India out of which Sri Lanka was victorious in only five while losing 13 test matches. 14 matches between these two countries ended in stalemates.
The ICC will now have to revise its policy on the UDRS to avoid any future controversies. ICC will have to make its policy understandable unlike its recent ambiguous statement with regards to the UDRS. “The host member would determine whether to use DRS in home Test series (following consultation with the visiting country)”, explained an ICC press release.
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