'Sonic' arrives to detect if the ball has hit the bat—a new technology in cricket

A new technology called 'Sonic' is being introduced in cricket to help umpires make more accurate decisions regarding whether the ball has made contact with the bat. By analyzing sound, this technology will assist the third umpire in determining if the ball has touched the bat. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved its use for the first time during the series between India and New Zealand.

In cricket, decisions regarding whether the ball has hit the bat often spark controversy. While the implementation of various technologies has reduced such disputes, they have not been entirely eliminated. The introduction of 'Sonic' is an initiative aimed at addressing this issue.

Developed in New Zealand, this technology identifies contact between the bat and the ball through sound analysis. The testing and validation processes have already been completed. These efforts were carried out in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The technology will debut during the five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand. The tour also includes five ODIs and two Test matches. For now, the ICC has granted permission for the use of 'Sonic' specifically for this series.

How does 'Sonic' work?

'Sonic' detects potential contact by analyzing the sound produced when the ball strikes the bat. It can play a crucial role during decision reviews—for instance, if an umpire misses a faint edge before the ball is caught by the wicketkeeper or a fielder.

When a decision is reviewed via the Decision Review System (DRS), the third umpire can incorporate data from 'Sonic' analysis, providing additional information to help determine whether the ball made contact with the bat.

However, 'Sonic' is not a replacement for the umpire; its primary purpose is to assist in the decision-making process.

New technology integrated into the DRS

'Sonic' is being integrated into the DRS framework provided by 'Virtual Eye'—a company that received ICC accreditation in 2008 for its ball-tracking technology. Although the use of technology in cricket is increasing, every new technology must undergo testing and receive approval before it can be used at the international level. This same process was followed for 'Sonic'.

ICC approval required for use in other series

For the time being, permission to use 'Sonic' has not been granted for any series other than the India-New Zealand series. To use this technology in any future international series, fresh approval from the ICC will be required.

Its effectiveness in detecting contact between the bat and the ball will become clear through its use on the field. If successful, this technology could play a significant role in reducing controversies surrounding umpires' decisions in the future.