The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup is set to mark a significant technological advancement with the introduction of the Smart Replay System. This system, which was previously used in high-profile tournaments like the IPL 2024 and The Hundred, will be featured in an ICC event for the first time. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3 in the UAE, and the Smart Replay System aims to enhance the accuracy of umpiring decisions, further elevating the integrity of the game.

Advanced camera system for enhanced accuracy

The ICC confirmed that each game will be covered by a minimum of 28 cameras, supplemented by a range of analytical and visual technologies. The Decision Review System (DRS) will be available throughout the tournament, with the Hawk-Eye Smart Replay System playing a pivotal role in decision-making. This system provides the TV umpire with instant, synchronized multi-angle footage to make real-time, accurate decisions.

The Smart Replay System is designed to streamline the process by eliminating the TV broadcast director's role as a middleman. Instead, the TV umpire will receive direct input from two Hawk-Eye operators who will be seated in the same room. This allows the umpire to access a wider range of visuals, including split-screen images, to evaluate situations like close stumpings or caught-behind referrals with greater precision.

How the system works for referrals

For stumpings, the TV umpire can request split-screen visuals from the Hawk-Eye operators, allowing them to view multiple angles in a single frame. The front-on camera angle will be especially useful in determining when the bails are removed, while the side-on view helps assess the bat’s position relative to the crease.

In cases of caught-behind decisions, the TV umpire will review footage to detect any gap between the ball and bat before resorting to UltraEdge technology. This step-by-step process ensures that stumpings and other close decisions are handled with greater clarity and accuracy.

The Smart Replay System's key advantage is its use of Hawk-Eye’s high-speed cameras, which record at 300 frames per second, as opposed to the traditional Stump Cam that records at 50 frames per second. This improvement provides more detailed footage, reducing the chances of errors in crucial decisions.

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Continuing the trend from last year’s T20 World Cup, the 2024 edition will also feature an all-female panel of umpires and match officials. This progressive move by the ICC emphasizes inclusivity while maintaining the highest standards of officiating.

The inclusion of the Smart Replay System underscores the ICC's commitment to using cutting-edge technology to maintain fairness and accuracy in the sport. As women’s cricket continues to grow, these innovations will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the game, making the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup a landmark event in cricketing history.