When ICC & BCCI went to War | The Politics, The Scandal, The Controversy that Shaped Cricket | DRS

Dhoni was given out on a NO ball due to a wrong replay on DRS causing a huge Controversy Between ICC & BCCI. A complex mix of politics, deals and compromise that followed - gave us the DRS that we know today.


In June 2011, a significant controversy erupted in the world of cricket over the Decision Review System (DRS). The conflict primarily involved the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Despite a long period of relative calm and indirect tensions, the two cricketing giants were poised for a showdown over the use of DRS.
The clash was not on the cricket field, but rather behind closed doors and in board meetings. The dispute had been escalating over two years, with the BCCI initially volunteering to test DRS but later becoming its staunch opponent. The central issue revolved around the accuracy of ball tracking technology and the high cost of equipment.
The ICC cricket committee unanimously recommended the use of DRS in all formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20s. The annual ICC meeting in Hong Kong was anticipated to be a pivotal event for the DRS debate.
& it was there - where through intense negotiation and tough politicking a compromise was reached -
A compromise that draw ire from both sides. Cricket boards and cricket traditionalists alike.
But just as the revolt was about to break out, the controversy took a new turn after an incident during a Test match between India and the West Indies.


Already the 2011 Indian tour of West indies was in news for the spat between Indian Captain Dhoni and Umpire Daryl Harper. From his decisions to banning the debutant Praveen kumar - Everything had drawn the Indians ire causing Dhoni to publicly criticize the umpire in a press conference.


The umpire in response resigned from being the umpire for the rest of the series opting to take hi retirement early


and if if putting oil of fire - Dhoni would be given out on a wrong replay in the second test - Given out - on a No Ball.
The incorrect replay suddenly becoming a focal point for the DRS debate.

The mistake in the replay, caused by a rookie technician's error, ignited a full-blown controversy. Both sides seized upon this mishap to further their arguments. The ICC initially making it clear that the third umpire was not at fault. pushing the blame entirely on the broadcasting company's back-end team.
And even though the company came out to explain their side - through a detailed explanation f the EVS - Ecricature video System. none of it was enough to calm the flames - and as the opposition was about to launch a lethal attack
the ICC revealed that a monitoring official was meant to be present during the series, ensuring the accuracy of the video feed. This measure was designed to prevent errors like the one that occurred. It became evident that the absence of mandatory DRS usage had overridden this safeguard.


This revelation dealt a significant blow to the opponents of DRS. The ICC's strategic move weakened the anti-DRS faction's arguments, as it highlighted that the lack of DRS was responsible for the error, not the system itself.


Eventually, the controversy subsided, and the compromise was maintained. India's opposition to DRS began to soften, and over the years, the support for DRS grew within the Indian cricket community. By 2023, the BCCI would fully embrace DRS, even in domestic matches, signaling the end of a prolonged debate.


The controversy over the incorrect replay ultimately played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of DRS in cricket. The incident highlighted the need for technology to improve the accuracy of decisions, and it helped propel the acceptance of DRS worldwide, making cricket a fairer and more transparent sport.

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