IND vs NZ: For the First Time in Cricket History Sonic Technology to be used in DRS

India vs New Zealand series will feature ‘Sonic’ edge-detection technology in DRS for the first time in cricket history. Any future use of technology will depend on ICC approval.

News Source: https://www.nzc.nz/

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced that the Decision Review System (DRS) will incorporate a brand-new "Sonic" edge-detection technology for the first time. International cricket refereeing is about to undergo a significant technical transformation. During India's full, multi-format tour of New Zealand, this deployment will make its premiere. The technology seeks to enhance decision integrity and the television viewing experience by offering extremely sophisticated tools to assist on-field officials.

In cricket, conventional sound-tracking devices assist in determining whether a ball has touched the bat or pad. Sonic uses sophisticated audio processing to provide third umpires with a far sharper image of minute bat-ball points of contact, according to information provided by NZC. Virtual Eye, a seasoned technology company with official International Cricket Council (ICC) accreditation for its ball-tracking technologies since 2008, conceived and engineered the program. Virtual Eye now offers a fully integrated digital review suite to manage ball trajectories and audio deflections simultaneously thanks to the addition of Sonic.

To ensure justice, new tracking methods must be implemented at the worldwide level under close scrutiny. After a thorough program of independent testing, scientific validation, and assessment, the rollout was approved. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided vital logistical support for this process, which was carried out in direct consultation with the ICC. Importantly, NZC representatives emphasized that whilst the technology is operational for this specific bilateral window, any subsequent deployment across international tours will still be fully subject to the ICC's independent accreditation procedures.

This edge-detection software's release aligns with a very competitive calendar between the two countries. An all-format schedule is part of India's comprehensive visit of New Zealand. A five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series marked the official start of the season, while a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series came right after. Two Test matches will mark the tour's culmination, and the last day of play is slated to end in early December.

The official BCCI News Portal offers real-time team tracking for those interested in following tournament outcomes, squad selections, or information on the performance of the new technology.

FAQs:

Q: What is the major update regarding the India-New Zealand cricket series?

A: The series will feature a new New Zealand-designed 'Sonic' edge-detection technology in the DRS for the first time.

Q: Who developed the new 'Sonic' edge-detection system?

A: The technology was created and refined by the sports tracking firm Virtual Eye

Q: How does 'Sonic' technology assist cricket umpires?

A: It uses advanced audio analysis to help third umpires review very close bat-ball contact decisions.

Q: Is 'Sonic' permanently approved for all future international cricket matches?

A: No, its future use remains strictly subject to ongoing ICC accreditation and approval processes.

Q: What formats are included in India's 2026 tour of New Zealand?

A: The multi-format tour includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches.