Umpire Decision Review System helping in overcoming umpiring errors: ICC

DUBAI - International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager Cricket David Richardson has backed the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), saying that it has brought significant improvements in overcoming umpiring errors in international matches.

“We think the UDRS has eased out pressure on the on-field umpires, nine out of ten teams are in favour of it,” the News quoted Richardson, as saying.

“In 23 Tests since October 2009, 84 possible on-field umpiring errors were recorded and 57 were corrected (by UDRS), which has lifted the correct decision percentage from 92.04 percent to 97.68 which is significant,” he added.

The former South African wicketkeeper further said that the ICC was holding meetings with the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to convince them about the technology.

“India feel they don’t trust the accuracy of the technology and its also very expensive, but the ICC is always talking and trying to convince them of the use of technology,” Richardson said.

“It is better to have a life vest than nothing,” he added.

Richardson’s comments come after Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni criticized the technology, saying that it may not be hundred percent accurate.

“I have mixed opinion on the UDRS. It is not something that gives cent percent results. It is not always correct. It is like I have to buy a life jacket, but it does not come with a warranty,” Dhoni had said.

The ICC had launched UDRS in November 2009, allowing players to challenge on-field umpires’ decisions and refer them to the third umpire.

Teams are given two opportunities per innings to contest an on-field decision, losing a challenge for an unsuccessful review. (ANI)