MIT working on technology to better DRS tools
Anil Kumble, former Indian captain and ICC Cricket Committee Chairman, on Thursday, stated that engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), are working on a technology that will help in improving the efficiency of the Decision Review System tools such as the ball tracker. He personally dropped in at one of the labs at the MIT to assess the progress of the assignment.
"The MIT is assisting ICC to develop tools for analysing ball tracker. The device is being prepared which will then test results of the ball tracking device independently. Recently I was there at the MIT for a lecture and what I saw at their lab, the apparatus that they have prepared is very impressive," Kumble said.
"The device will help us check the range of inaccuracies rather than other way round. Then we can take a call," the former Indian captain added.
When asked about his take on the DRS issue, even though the BCCI have been very rigid, he said, “It is not right for me to take a stance. As a captain (in 2008 in Sri Lanka), I was not convinced with the tools used and the accuracy of it."
Kumble also reviewed the seven years the DRS has been in play, saying, “I think it's all about upgrading of technology. First there were days of autographs and now it's about selfies."
Kumble, a qualified mechanical engineer, added, "Actually, every engineer at some point in time thinks about going to MIT for studies and research. I never thought cricket will take me to MIT as I went there to give a lecture on Indian sports."
Anil Kumble was also the part of the committee that gave a green signal to the first ever Day/Night Test match between Australia and New Zealand which is scheduled to be held in Adelaide, in November.
"Unless you try something, you would not be knowing as to how good or bad it is. The basic idea is to bring people back to the ground as in some centres it was not possible. We want the office-goers to at least enjoy one session of Test match. As far as the pink ball is concerned, it has passed the MCC test," the 44-year-old said.
Kumble completely avoided the topic of the IPL verdict which suspended CSK and Rajasthan Royals from the league for a period of two years, saying, “I think game of cricket is paramount for me and no one is above the game.”