ICC CEC recommends mandatory use of DRS

The CEC met for two days -- June 24 and 25 -- as part of the ICC Annual Conference and "recommended to the Board the universal application of the DRS after being satisfied with the technology enhancements provided by new Hotspot cameras and the results of the independent research on ball tracking conducted by Dr Ed Rosten, an expert in computer vision technology."

Dr Rosten tested the accuracy and reliability of ball tracking in a recent Test series and concluded that the results were "100 per cent in agreement with the outcomes produced from his assessments."

The ICC Board will be meeting over the next two days and will take a call on the innovation which had been declared optional only last year under India's pressure considering the country's financial clout.

The BCCI has vehemently opposed the system, which allows teams two successful appeals against on-field umpires' decisions. The BCCI insists that the system is not accurate enough and has time and again refused to allow its usage in bilateral series featuring India.

The CEC recommended that, subject to the Members' ability to finance and obtain the required technology, DRS should be mandatory for all Tests and ODIs.

"Furthermore, Hotspot cameras must be included in the minimum requirements (two cameras) alongside ball tracking technology.

The CEC also recommended a minor amendment to the LBW protocols whereby the 'margin of uncertainty' regarding the point of impact with the batsman should be the same as that provided for the point of impact with the stumps.