Cricket

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) is set to witness a significant technological upgrade in its tenth season, with the introduction of a third umpire in every game and an increase in matches utilizing the Decision Review System (DRS).To enhance the accuracy of on-field decisions, the WBBL will implement a third umpire for the first time. This additional official will be responsible for reviewing close calls and providing assistance to the on-field umpires.Furthermore, the league will expand the use of DRS to 33 out of the 43 matches. DRS allows teams to challenge umpiring decisions related to dismissals, such as leg before wicket (LBW), caught behind, and run outs. The TV umpire will have the authority to overturn or uphold the on-field decision based on video replays.In addition to the expanded DRS coverage, the WBBL will introduce an innings timer. Similar to the Big Bash League (BBL), teams will have 73 minutes to be ready to bowl the first ball of the 20th over. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a fielding penalty, requiring an extra fielder inside the circle.The implementation of these technological advancements aims to improve the fairness and accuracy of the game. Alistair Dobson, the head of Big Bash Leagues, emphasized the importance of world-class technology in a world-class competition. He believes that the expanded DRS coverage, TV umpire availability, and innings timer will enhance the viewing experience and provide a more consistent and fair playing field for the players.The tenth season of the WBBL kicks off on October 27 with a triple-header day. Defending champions Adelaide Strikers will face Brisbane Heat in a rematch of last season's final, followed by Melbourne Renegades against Sydney Sixers at the same venue. Perth Scorchers will then host Melbourne Stars at the WACA.

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) is facing a potential squeeze on overseas player availability due to the tournament's proximity to the T20 World Cup. However, the reduced length of the competition will allow for more primetime games and increased use of technology.Nominations for the overseas draft are currently open, and Cricket Australia (CA) remains confident in attracting top international talent. However, the busy schedule may deter some players from participating. England's Nat Sciver-Brunt has already ruled herself out this season.To manage player workload, the WBBL has been trimmed to a 40-game regular season with three finals. However, the schedule faces pressure at both ends, with Australia and India starting an ODI series four days after the final and England facing South Africa during the finals.Despite the challenges, CA is optimistic about securing a strong contingent of overseas players. "We are excited about the players who have signed and think over the next month or two we'll get a sense from players as to how they are preparing for the World Cup and their appetite to come quickly to Australia," said Alistair Dobson, head of the BBL.The tournament's stadium series has been expanded and brought forward to replicate the crowd growth experienced in other leagues. A standalone match will be played at the Gabba for the first time, and there will be two games each at the MCG and SCG.To enhance the broadcast experience, a third umpire will be in operation at every game for line calls. There will also be an increase in matches with the Decision Review System (DRS) available.The full WBBL 2024-25 fixture list is as follows:[Insert fixture list here]

MS Dhoni's Mastery of Technology and Instincts in CricketFormer Indian captain MS Dhoni has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional ability to strike a harmonious balance between utilizing technology and relying on his instincts and game awareness. According to Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer, Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have mastered the art of integrating technology with common sense in cricket.Kaif, who played 125 ODIs and 13 Test matches for India, emphasized that while technology can provide valuable insights, it cannot account for the dynamic situations and pressures that arise during a match. In such moments, he believes that common sense and mental fortitude become crucial, and Dhoni excels in this regard."Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have achieved a balance between utilizing technology and applying common sense in the game. The situations that arise during a match cannot be predicted by a computer. No matter how many meetings you have, on match day, it's common sense that prevails under pressure. It's your mental strength and capability that you use. Dhoni sahab se bada example koi nahi hoga (There's no greater example than Mr Dhoni)," Kaif told 180 Not Out podcast, highlighting Dhoni's unique ability to read the game and make decisions based on instinct, gut feeling, and experience.Kaif further elaborated on Dhoni's exceptional game sense, stating, "Dhoni as a leader, forget about his computer-like mind... in the last over, during the last ball, the bowler is under pressure. He views the game differently. He has instinct, gut feeling, experience, everything. He has tried everything. If you think you should hit a six on this ball, Dhoni will say to wait one more ball, maybe the bowler will deliver a bad one."However, not all cricketers share the same enthusiasm for embracing technology in the game. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed his preference for a more free-spirited approach, stating that he is not a "tech guy" who wants to get too technical about the game."I actually think it gives players the opportunity that if they are of that mindset who want to tap into technology, then they can. I am not of that mindset, I am not that guy. I am not that tech guy who wants to just go out there and think.. Ok the ball is spinning that much and I need to do this. I am a free-spirited guy," said Pietersen."I walk out to bat this evening, and I just go ‘ok what’s this wicket like?’ hit a couple of balls and if it’s there, it can go, I am feeling good. I’m not getting too technical about it, how I’m holding my bat, how I’m doing… you guys all know that I love my golf. There, you can be technical because you have to be technical. It’s a ball that’s standing still by itself and you have to make it play. Here, there are so many variations," he added.

Anil Kumble, the legendary leg-spinner, has always been known for his analytical approach to cricket. Even during his playing days, he pursued an engineering degree, demonstrating his keen interest in understanding the intricacies of the game.Post-retirement, Kumble has embraced technology to enhance his understanding of cricket. He co-founded Spektacom, a company that has developed an AI-based smart bat sticker. This device provides real-time insights into a player's shots, helping them identify areas for improvement.Kumble believes that AI has immense potential in cricket, a sport heavily reliant on statistics. He envisions AI being used in coaching, talent scouting, player selection, and even strategy formulation. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can help teams identify key variables and make informed decisions.However, Kumble acknowledges that AI is still in its early stages in cricket. While it is currently being used primarily for analysis, its predictive and strategic capabilities are yet to be fully explored. He emphasizes the need for more extensive testing and implementation of AI in live game situations.Kumble also highlights the potential of AI to enhance fan experience. By providing insights into player performance and predicting outcomes, AI can make cricket more engaging and interactive for spectators.Despite the potential benefits of AI, Kumble cautions against its indiscriminate use. He stresses the importance of thorough testing and understanding the technology before implementing it in live games.

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala has become the first BCCI-accredited venue to install a state-of-the-art 'hybrid pitch.' This groundbreaking technology will transform the game by providing a more durable, consistent, and high-performing playing surface.The Netherlands-based 'SISGrass,' a part of the SIS Pitches group of companies, has been roped in for the first-ever hybrid pitch installation in India. According to a press release, "this cutting-edge technology will transform the game by providing a more durable, consistent, and high-performing playing surface."HPCA president R.P. Singh said, “The arrival of ground-breaking hybrid pitch technology in India signifies a game-changing moment for our national cricket." Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS's international cricket director, said, “As we inject new and improved technological advancements into India’s vibrant cricket ecosystem, we foresee a catalytic effect on its growth trajectory."The surface contains a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf inside cricket stadiums. This composition is believed to be more resilient to stresses created during play, while prolonging life of the pitch, guaranteeing an even bounce and easing pressure on groundstaff.The completed installations are still predominantly natural grass, with only 5% polymer fibre used to ensure that the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained. The 'Universal' machine, used in Dharamshala for the hybrid pitch, will be taken to Ahmedabad and Mumbai to create further such pitches. It will remain in India for future projects.In the U.K., hybrid pitches are approved for T20 and 50-over competitions and will also be used in the four-day County Championship matches this season. The Universal machine has been used to install SISGrass at various grounds in England such as Lord's, The Oval, Edgbaston, Old Trafford and Trent Bridge.It must be noted that Dharamsala pitch and outfield came under scanner during the ODI World Cup last year and the entire playing surface was refurbished.