BCCI Considers Bringing DRS to Domestic Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started early discussions on introducing the Decision Review System (DRS) in India’s domestic cricket. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the topic came up during the board’s recent Apex Council meeting.

While no final decision has been taken yet, this discussion is being seen as an important first step towards wider use of technology in domestic matches.

DRS in Domestic Cricket: Where Things Stand Now

At present, DRS is used only in a few high-profile domestic games in India. Most matches across the busy domestic calendar still rely entirely on on-field umpires. BCCI officials have not committed to a timeline or rollout plan yet. The main reason? Cost.

The Biggest Challenge: High Cost of Technology

The biggest hurdle in implementing DRS widely is the expense of Hawk-Eye technology, which is a key part of the system.

• Hawk-Eye costs around ₹10 lakh per match day

• India hosts nearly 1,500 domestic matches every year

• Many of these are multi-day games

If DRS is used across the board, the total cost could go up to ₹150 crore, just for Hawk-Eye alone. Even for a cash-rich board like the BCCI, that’s a big commitment.

Hope from a ‘Desi DRS’?

• IIT students are developing a cheaper alternative to Hawk-Eye

• This system could cost one-fifth of the current price

• Estimated cost: $2,000–3,000 per match day

However, this technology is still under development. It would need months of testing, fine-tuning, and approval before it can be trusted at competitive levels. For now, the BCCI is closely monitoring its progress.

Why DRS Matters So Much

DRS has been part of international cricket for nearly two decades and is standard in major T20 leagues worldwide.

• Reduces pressure on umpires

• Helps correct obvious mistakes

• Improves fairness in high-pressure games

• Helps domestic players learn how to use reviews smartly, given that umpiring standards in domestic cricket are often questioned, DRS could be a big step forward.

No Fixed Timeline Yet

There is no official timeline for when DRS might be introduced in domestic cricket. However, sources suggest that the BCCI could be targeting the 2026–27 domestic season for a possible rollout, depending on costs and technology readiness.

Side Update: Tech Mahindra Gets Short Extension

In a related development, the BCCI has approved a six-month extension for Tech Mahindra, which manages the board’s website and mobile apps.

• Original contract was valid till December 31, 2024

• Already extended till December 31, 2025

• Tech Mahindra wanted a 12-month renewal, but got only six months

The BCCI said this short extension ensures smooth functioning while a new Request for Proposal (RFP) process is close to completion.

The BCCI’s discussions around DRS in domestic cricket signal a positive intent, but financial and technical challenges remain. While Hawk-Eye is reliable, it’s expensive. The proposed low-cost Indian alternative looks promising but needs time.

If things fall into place, Indian domestic cricket could finally see DRS in action in the coming years. Until then, players and fans will have to be patient.

Also Read -IND vs NZ ODIs 2026: Bumrah and Hardik Pandya Likely to Be Rested