The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to commence on October 3 in the UAE, will mark the debut of the Smart Replay System in an ICC event. The cutting-edge technology, previously trialed in competitions such as the Hundred and IPL 2024, promises to streamline decision-making for umpires with improved accuracy and speed.
According to an ICC release, the coverage of the Women’s T20 World Cup will include a minimum of 28 cameras at each venue, alongside a variety of visual and analytical enhancements. The Decision Review System (DRS) will also be employed at all matches, bolstered by the Hawk-Eye Smart Replay System. This system provides TV umpires instant access to synchronized multi-angle footage, helping them make quicker and more precise decisions.
How the Smart Replay System Works
Under this system, the TV umpire will receive direct inputs from two Hawk-Eye operators. These operators, situated in the same room as the TV umpire, will provide images from eight high-speed Hawk-Eye cameras located around the ground. This represents a shift from the previous process, where a TV broadcast director served as an intermediary between the TV umpire and the Hawk-Eye team.
The Hawk-Eye cameras, which record at approximately 300 frames per second, will enable the umpire to view more detailed footage than before, including split-screen visuals from different angles. In comparison, the previous Stump Cam recorded at a much slower speed of 50 frames per second, often leading to less precise decisions.
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One of the major improvements comes in the handling of stumping referrals. When a stumping is under review, the TV umpire can ask for split-screen visuals from Hawk-Eye. If a clear gap is visible between the bat and ball, the umpire can proceed directly to the side-on replay without requesting UltraEdge to check for a possible catch behind the stumps. Only when the gap is unclear will UltraEdge be utilized.
Additionally, for stumpings, the system will present “tri-vision” footage, combining side-on and front-on camera angles in a single frame. This ensures a more accurate view of the bails being dislodged, allowing umpires to make more informed decisions.
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Similar to last year’s T20 World Cup, this tournament will feature an all-female panel of umpires and match officials, a move celebrated for promoting gender equality in cricket.
With the addition of advanced technology like the Smart Replay System, the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup promises to set new standards in cricket officiating. Fans and players alike will look forward to a smoother, faster, and more accurate review process throughout the competition.
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