The cricket world is abuzz with excitement as the seventeenth edition of the IPL approaches, promising to deliver another thrilling season of T20 action. Amidst all the chatter surrounding injuries, player arrivals at practice camps, and various other developments, there’s a notable addition that’s sure to ramp up anticipation for the upcoming league.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the IPL organizers are introducing a new technology called the Smart Replay System starting from the 17th season. This innovation aims to enhance the accuracy and speed of decision-making, making the game even more dynamic. Under this revamped setup, the TV umpire and Hawk-Eye operators will collaborate closely in a shared workspace, streamlining the process of decision-making.
The system will incorporate more split screens, higher frame rates, and more flexible procedures to ensure swift and precise judgments. Traditionally, Hawk-Eye cameras were primarily utilized for ball-tracking and Ultra Edge technology, focusing on LBW calls and edges, along with assisting in on-field referrals such as stumpings, run-outs, catches, and overthrows.
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The Smart Replay System is poised to grant the TV umpire access to a broader range of visuals, including split-screen images for better assessment. This includes synchronized footage showing the timing of catches or releases alongside visuals indicating whether a fielder’s foot was inside the boundary rope or not.
The new system for #IPL2024 will have the TV umpire and Hawk-Eye operators in the same room, with more split screens, better frame rates and a less rigid process
▶️ https://t.co/vfiy8PbRn2 pic.twitter.com/F1T9trWBmV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 19, 2024
IPL INTRODUCES SMART REPLAY SYSTEM …!!!
This will increase the accuracy and speed of decision making for the 3rd umpire. It’ll allow the TV umpire to refer to more visuals, including split-screen images. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/oOMsBYp49I
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 19, 2024
The system will also address rare incidents like overthrows, a notable example being the controversial moment in the 2019 ODI World Cup final. In cases of overthrows leading to boundaries, the split-screen feature will determine whether the batsman had completed a run before the fielder’s throw reached the boundary.
Hawk-Eye operators will provide the TV umpire with precise images showing the timing of throws and the position of batsmen during critical moments. For stumpings, the system will combine side-on and front-on camera footage into a single frame, offering a more comprehensive view for umpires to make decisions.
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Regarding low catches, the Smart Replay System will present a single frame combining images from frontal and lateral angles, aiding in more accurate judgments. The IPL 2024 season is set to commence on March 22, kicking off with a clash between the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, promising fans an electrifying start to the tournament.
