How DRS Works in Cricket - A 2025 Update

In modern cricket, accuracy and fairness are vital. With the pace and stakes of the game growing higher each year, the Decision Review System (DRS) has become an essential tool to minimize umpiring errors and uphold the integrity of the game. Introduced in 2008 and fine-tuned over the years, DRS in 2025 has become more advanced, quicker, and broader in scope than ever before. 

1. What is DRS?

The Decision Review System (DRS) is a technology-based process that allows players to challenge the on-field umpire's decision. The primary aim is to eliminate obvious errors in decisions regarding dismissals and scoring calls. DRS comprises a blend of technologies and review protocols used by the third umpire to verify an on-field call.

There are two types of reviews:

• Player Review: Requested by the batting or fielding side.
• Umpire Review: Initiated by the on-field umpire for confirmation in close calls.

In Test matches, teams are allowed two unsuccessful reviews per innings, while in ODIs and T20s, each team usually gets one review per innings.

The reviews must be made within 15 seconds of the on-field decision. If a team’s review is successful, they retain it. DRS is not available for every kind of decision—for example, it cannot be used for no-ball front foot calls unless a wicket falls. The third umpire relies on available evidence, and if it’s not conclusive, the original decision stands.

2. Core Technologies Behind DRS

The efficiency of DRS relies on a combination of technologies. Here are the main components:

a. Hawk-Eye (Ball Tracking Technology)

• Tracks the trajectory of the ball from release to the batsman.
• Uses six or more high-speed cameras placed around the ground.
• Simulates the predicted path if the ball misses the bat and hits the pads.
• Helps in LBW decisions by determining if the ball would have hit the stumps.

It provides a 3D visualization of the ball's path, making the third umpire's judgment more informed. In 2025, it has improved its precision using advanced AI to eliminate inconsistencies seen in earlier versions. Its predictions now consider spin, bounce, and seam movement with greater accuracy.

b. UltraEdge (Sound-based Edge Detection)

• Also known as Real-Time Snickometer.
• Uses stump microphones to detect faint sounds when the ball passes the bat.
• Spikes in the audio waveform are synced with video to confirm contact.

This tool is especially useful in determining fine edges in caught-behind or LBW appeals. In modern systems, the sync between audio and visuals is tighter than ever before, reducing confusion in borderline calls. It has largely replaced older versions like Snickometer in high-level cricket.

c. HotSpot (Infrared Imaging)

• Shows heat friction caused by ball contact with bat or pad.
• Infrared cameras detect temperature changes, highlighting contact zones.
• Not used universally in all matches, but still relevant in high-profile series.

HotSpot is effective in confirming slight edges, especially when UltraEdge produces ambiguous spikes. While expensive to implement, its use in ICC tournaments and premium leagues continues due to its reliability. The 2025 update features higher-resolution sensors for greater detail.

d. Smart Replay System (Video Review Technology)

• Provides multiple camera angles and ultra-slow-motion footage.
• Helps assess boundaries, catches, no-balls, and stumping decisions.

With newer camera setups and automated switching, this system speeds up decisions while offering crystal-clear visuals. It has significantly reduced human error in interpreting run-outs, catches, and crease violations. Integration with AI enables frame-by-frame precision in a shorter timeframe.

3. Step-by-Step Process of a DRS Review

Here’s how a typical DRS review unfolds:

1. On-field Appeal and Decision: The fielding side appeals for a dismissal. The umpire makes a decision.
2. 15-Second Window: The challenging team has 15 seconds to signal a review by forming a "T" sign.
3. Third Umpire Analysis:
• Begins with checking for a fair delivery (no-ball).
• Uses UltraEdge and HotSpot for possible bat-pad contact.
• Then consults Hawk-Eye for ball trajectory.
4. Final Decision:
• If there's conclusive evidence the on-field decision was wrong, it is overturned.
• If the evidence is inconclusive, the original decision stands as "Umpire’s Call."

The process is quick and designed to minimize game delays. In most cases, the entire review is completed in under 90 seconds. With the integration of the Smart Replay System in 2025, reviews are even more streamlined and standardized across tournaments.

Captains often rely on non-strikers or wicketkeepers to confirm if a review should be taken. The psychological pressure during this brief decision window adds drama and sometimes affects momentum.

4. The Concept of Umpire’s Call

Umpire’s Call remains one of the most debated aspects of DRS. In LBW decisions, if the ball-tracking shows only a marginal part (less than 50%) of the ball hitting the stumps, the decision stays with the on-field umpire.

The idea is to allow for a margin of error due to ball-tracking prediction limitations. However, in 2025, there is an improvement:

Stump Hitting is Now Determined by the Centre of the Ball: This makes marginal LBW calls more precise.

The rule preserves umpire authority while acknowledging technology's limits. Still, it has faced criticism for inconsistency and confusion among fans. Many suggest refining or removing Umpire’s Call altogether, but the ICC insists it keeps balance.

In practice, Umpire's Call can influence team strategy, especially late in the game when each review becomes more valuable. Teams may avoid marginal reviews unless absolutely confident.

5. New DRS Features and Rules in 2025

Cricket’s governing body, the ICC, has introduced several new rules to make DRS more consistent, player-friendly, and transparent in 2025.

a. Height-Wide and No-Ball Challenges

• Batters can now use DRS to challenge waist-high full tosses and wide balls above shoulder height.
• This was used in IPL 2025 and is being implemented internationally.

Previously, such deliveries were solely at the discretion of the on-field umpire. With growing controversy in tight T20 matches, technology is now used to standardize these calls. Hawk-Eye calibration has been updated to assess batter stance and ball height.

b. Dual-Mode Dismissal Reviews

• In instances involving more than one possible mode of dismissal (like caught and LBW), the review system now checks them in the sequence of occurrence.

This eliminates confusion when a batter may be out two different ways. The third umpire now examines events in logical order to avoid missing key evidence. It’s a step toward more comprehensive decision-making.

c. Expanded Ball Tracking Accuracy

• Hawk-Eye has been enhanced with AI-backed ball detection, reducing calibration errors and improving prediction accuracy.

The AI can now differentiate between different pitch types and bounce behaviors. This ensures that conditions like damp pitches or dry cracks don’t skew trajectory predictions unfairly.

d. Faster Review Timelines

• Thanks to the Smart Replay System, decisions are delivered quicker to maintain game flow.

The Smart Replay System reduces reliance on manual camera switching. It brings up all relevant angles automatically, allowing the third umpire to make a call faster and with more confidence.

6. Role of the Third Umpire

The third umpire is the central figure during DRS reviews. Their responsibilities include:

• Validating ball legality (no-ball).
• Analyzing UltraEdge/HotSpot for edge detection.
• Interpreting ball-tracking data.
• Making the final decision, which is then relayed back to the on-field umpire.

In 2025, smart communication systems have allowed faster back-and-forth between the third umpire and the on-field umpires.

7. Strategic Impact on the Game

DRS has added a layer of strategy in how teams approach reviews. Misuse of a review can cost a team dearly, while a well-used one can turn the tide.

• Teams often consult wicketkeepers or senior players before reviewing.
• Lower-ranked teams sometimes hesitate due to lack of experience or confidence.
• Captains need to manage reviews smartly, especially in Test cricket where longer innings increase the chance of needing a review later.

8. Criticisms and Limitations

While DRS has improved decision-making, it’s not without flaws:

• Umpire’s Call Confusion: Many fans find it hard to understand why the same ball can be out or not out depending on the umpire.
• Technology Access Inequality: Not all domestic or associate-level games have full DRS support.
• Interpretation Gaps: Sometimes third umpires' interpretation of evidence can vary.

9. Impact of DRS on Major Tournaments

• In the 2025 IPL, DRS helped correct multiple crucial wide and no-ball decisions, impacting final outcomes.
• In the 2023 World Cup, a controversial LBW decision upheld due to Umpire’s Call brought back debate on removing the clause.
• Women's cricket has also seen broader DRS usage, with expanded access in WPL and ICC events.

10. What Lies Ahead? The Future of DRS

The DRS of tomorrow may be:

• Fully automated: AI could take over real-time ball tracking and dismissals.
• Standardized globally: ICC might enforce a consistent DRS package across all matches.
• Enhanced for fans: Broadcasters may allow viewers to access live DRS tools during matches.

Already in trials:

• Wearable sensors for umpires.
• Augmented Reality (AR) overlays for stadium audiences.

Conclusion

The Decision Review System has transformed cricket into a game where technology meets tradition. With constant upgrades, including AI enhancements, expanded decision types, and quicker turnarounds, DRS in 2025 stands stronger than ever.

From reducing errors to changing match outcomes, DRS is now central to cricket’s modern identity. While debates around Umpire’s Call and technological consistency remain, the future promises even more clarity, fairness, and excitement on the pitch.

In short, DRS is no longer just a backup system; it is the very spine of fair play in cricket today.