The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken an initial step towards the possible introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) in domestic cricket, with the issue discussed at the recent Apex Council meeting. While there is no immediate roadmap or timeline in place, Cricbuzz understands that the conversation has formally entered the board’s decision-making process for the first time.
At present, BCCI officials remain guarded about the likelihood of DRS being rolled out across India’s extensive domestic calendar. However, members of the Apex Council were informed during the December 22 online meeting that the office-bearers would examine the proposal and assess its feasibility, both operationally and financially. The discussion, though preliminary, signals a shift in approach, with the board acknowledging growing calls for technological support in domestic umpiring.
The primary hurdle remains the cost. The ICC-approved Hawk-Eye technology, which forms the backbone of DRS at the international level, costs between USD 10,000 and 15,000 per match day. Even at the lower end, that translates to nearly Rs 9 lakh per day. Given that the BCCI conducts more than 1,500 domestic matches annually across formats such as the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and age-group tournaments, the cumulative expense becomes enormous.
BCCI officials informed the Apex Council that implementing Hawk-Eye-powered DRS across domestic competitions could push the annual expenditure beyond Rs 150 crore. This figure takes into account not only match days but also the logistical complexities of deploying the technology across multiple venues simultaneously. While the BCCI is the world’s richest cricket board, the scale of India’s domestic structure makes universal implementation a significant financial commitment.
Recognising this, the board has begun exploring indigenous alternatives. It is learnt that a homegrown DRS solution—reportedly being developed and tested by a group of IIT engineers—could reduce costs substantially, with estimates ranging from USD 2,000 to 3,000 per match day. However, officials cautioned that the system is still undergoing validation, with accuracy, reliability and response time being key parameters under scrutiny.
At present, the indigenous technology has not been cleared for competitive use. Officials indicated that further testing is required before it can match the standards mandated by the ICC for decision reviews. As a result, any potential introduction of DRS in domestic cricket, whether in a phased or limited manner, remains some distance away. Nonetheless, the fact that the matter has reached the Apex Council suggests that discussions are now firmly underway.
Tech Mahindra deal extended amid transition planning
In a separate but related administrative development, the BCCI has approved a six-month extension of its contract with Tech Mahindra, the company responsible for managing the board’s digital platforms, including its official website and mobile applications. The decision was taken by the Apex Council to ensure continuity while the BCCI completes its consolidated Request for Proposal (RFP) process for digital platform management.
The original agreement with Tech Mahindra was valid until December 31, 2024, and had already been extended once until December 31, 2025. With the 2025–26 domestic and international season underway and the RFP process nearing completion, the board sought a short-term extension to avoid any disruption to live operations.
“This extension has enabled the seamless day-to-day functioning of the BCCI’s digital properties, including the conduct and coverage of BCCI’s international tournaments, domestic tournaments and the Online Domestic Management System (ODMS),” a BCCI note stated.
While the board requested a further six-month extension beyond December 31, 2025, Tech Mahindra maintained that any additional continuation should be for a 12-month period. This difference in positions resulted in the Apex Council approving only a six-month extension, rather than a full year.
The BCCI has acknowledged the importance of a structured transition, stressing that any change in service providers must be carefully planned to safeguard data integrity, fan-facing functionality and commercial and regulatory obligations tied to its digital ecosystem.
“In light of this, and in order to safeguard the continuity, stability and quality of BCCI’s digital operations, the board is examining and evaluating alternative solutions,” the note added. These include interim arrangements within the existing contractual framework, as well as the possibility of aligning short-term operational support with the prospective new service provider identified through the RFP process.
As the BCCI navigates both technological upgrades on the field and structural transitions off it, the coming months are expected to be crucial. While the introduction of DRS in domestic cricket remains a long-term objective rather than an immediate reality, the discussions at the Apex Council indicate a growing recognition of the need for technology-driven decision-making across all levels of the game.
