Pakistan on Tuesday announced it will employ the Decision Review System (DRS) during its one-day series against Sri Lanka later this month and against England early next year.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) release said it has acquired sponsorship to use the DRS in both the series to be played at the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates.
“PCB announces that the DRS system (Hawk-eye Kit-core) is to be applied during both the Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka (Oct-Nov) and Pakistan Vs England (Jan/Feb 2012) one day International series to be held in the UAE,” PCB release said.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday ended the mandatory use of DRS and reverted to its pre-June 2010 position. The use of DRS will now be up to the competing countries, subject to bilateral agreements between the participating boards.
PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad said the DRS will be helpful.
“PCB is pleased to be taking a leading role in the use of ICC recommended technologies for international cricket. We hope that other partner boards will follow the example of the PCB and use the DRS in their respective future series,” said Ahmad. “The Use of the DRS system will bring added value to our forthcoming series,” he said
ICC general manager cricket David Richardson also praised the step.
“We believe that using the DRS will result in getting more umpire decisions correct and we accordingly welcome the PCB’s initiatives and that of its sponsors in securing its use in the upcoming series,” said Richardson.
The powerful Indian Board has been the most vocal against the use of DRS, saying the system has flaws.