Reports | BCCI mulling over introduction of DRS system in IPL

India had a terrible experience with their DRS reviews when they visited Sri Lanka back in 2008. While the Lankans successfully reviewed 11 times, India could manage just one. India had their reservations on the accuracy of the referral system since then and further fuel was added to the fire when they hosted the ICC 2011 World Cup, and India saw themselves at the end of a controversial decision involving Ian Bell.

However, the system has improved massively since then and already made its entry into India’s home season this year, starting with the England visit. With the ICC introducing the system in T20Is as well, the IPL, too, could well see its inclusion.

According to TNN, the BCCI had organized a DRS workshop on Friday that saw ICC Umpires coach, Denis Burns, and Australia’s Paul Reiffel, guiding 10 top Indian umpires outside the ICC panel in Vizag. Those umpires could feature in the cash rich T20 league next year with many even contemplating that the ‘first of its kind’ seminar is also seen as the board’s way of initiating them to the system.

“This is the first time that such a DRS specific workshop has been conducted for BCCI umpires. Technology is definitely going to play a key role in umpiring decisions in the future. So there has to be awareness among the umpires regarding DRS. As of now, there hasn't been any decision taken on having DRS this IPL. But there's still time," a BCCI official told TOI.

"Indian umpires who are officiating as fourth umpires in international matches should also be well versed with DRS protocols. Burns and Reiffel explained how the system works, the communication required during DRS calls and there was a simulation session as well. The workshop carried on for the entire day."