DRS unlikely for Pakistan’s ‘home’ series

Board’s deal with broadcaster makes technology doubtful.

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to use the Decision Review System (DRS) in its upcoming ‘home’ series in the UAE, as the board’s deal with its present broadcaster does not include the provision of the technology.

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) Executive Board made the DRS mandatory for Tests and One-Day Internationals, PCB, which signed a $140.5 million deal with its broadcaster (Tensports) back in 2008 that does not include the use of the technology, will not be able to make use of the system. The deal expires in 2012.

Last month the ICC, while making the DRS compulsory, had recommended that the system be used while taking into consideration its availability and various commercial issues that may arise. With the contrasting timeline of the host broadcaster’s contract, the ICC had also recommended that the member boards should keep the provisions of the DRS technology in mind when signing a fresh contract.

The DRS employs infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices, as well as ball-tracking technology as decision-making aids.

The Express Tribune had earlier reported that the ICC was mulling over an option to offer the DRS to all the full-member boards, bearing the entire cost with the help of a bundle-rights deal with the broadcasting company providing the technology, an option that the PCB was willing to take up.

But talks between the ICC, broadcaster and member boards ended in a deadlock over as to who would bear the cost of the technology - which costs around $5000 per day - and consequently the issue was left unattended.

Sharjah eyes return to cricket

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is staking its claim to host international cricket again as a construction project is underway, which can make it eligible to host Test matches. The stadium was earlier rejected to host Pakistan’s matches after it failed to meet ICC requirements but at a time when Pakistan will soon be playing Sri Lanka and England, the stadium is being developed. There are chances that Pakistan may ‘host’ matches here. A Sharjah cricket official confirmed the purpose of the construction is to bring back international cricket to the emirate.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2011.