IPL 2024: Why BCCI is measuring players' height to end controversial rule?

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IPL 2024: In its bid to ensure umpiring decisions near-perfect, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced another latest innovation to tackle one of the most contentious of on-field debates: waist-high full tosses in the ongoing IPL season 17.

Traditionally, umpires judge a full toss based on a generic 'waist-high' standard. However, this can be subjective, especially considering the varying heights of players. To address this, the BCCI has devised a unique method.

As per a Times of India report, the BCCI has a team measuring the waist heights of all IPL players. This data will be fed into the Hawk-Eye system used by the third umpire during reviews for waist-high full tosses. This allows for a more personalised judgment based on the specific batsman facing the delivery.

"There are people in the BCCI's team who are measuring the height of all the players in the IPL till their waist, with a measuring tape. This data will then be fed into the system used by the hawk-eye operators, who sit with the third umpire (from this season) to judge reviews of waist-high full tosses. This data will help in judging the waist-high full toss to a particular batsman better," a source was quoted by the news daily as saying.

This initiative comes alongside the implementation of a new Smart Replay System in IPL 2024. This system aims to improve decision-making efficiency by placing two Hawk-Eye operators directly with the TV umpire.

These operators will utilise real-time images captured by eight strategically positioned high-speed cameras to analyse on-field situations. Notably, the new system eliminates the role of the TV broadcast director, who previously acted as a middleman between the Hawk-Eye operators and the third umpire.

These combined efforts by the BCCI demonstrate a commitment to achieving fairer and more accurate decision-making in the IPL. With player-specific data informing waist-high full toss judgments and a streamlined review process through the Smart Replay System, fans can expect a smoother and more consistent viewing experience throughout the tournament.