Pakistan-New Zealand series to proceed without DRS as BCCI secures extra technological crew for IPL
The widely accepted Decision Review System (DRS) could prove to be the cause of another rift between the BCCI and PCB, as the second half of IPL 2021 coincides with Pakistan’s forthcoming home limited-overs series against New Zealand.
Reports are that Pakistan’s 3 ODIs & 5 T20Is at home against the Kiwis could proceed without the DRS available to both the teams as PCB’s mighty Indian counterpart has already snapped up three technological crews from the company for the remaining portion of this year’s IPL.
According to Pakistan based ‘Geo News’, the Pakistan-New Zealand series spanning September 17 to October 3, could be “bereft” of the DRS as the BCCI has hired the DRS operational team “by paying four times more than what the PCB was offering them.”
“Sources said the BCCI has hired three DRS crews to work on the IPL,” the report added.
PCB unable to secure a DRS crew in time for Pakistan-New Zealand series
The PCB was in in race against time to secure at least one DRS crew for Pakistan men’s home internationals against the Blackcaps.
The first match of Kiwis’ eight-game visit is due to be held in less than a week’s time from now on September 17 in Rawalpindi.
The ODI series is part of both the countries’ campaign in the ICC Super League that identifies direct qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup in India. The T20Is are important as well in the build-up to the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Considering that, it’ll be a real shame if the matches are held without proper DRS technology available for both teams.
Another important factor here is the need for whatever DRS team and crew that the PCB secures to be approved by the ICC.
“It is important to have ICC-approved DRS operators in international events and operators were not available during the period, that’s why the PCB has dropped DRS from the series,” Geo News quoted a source close to the matter saying.
Still, the PCB should be confident of roping a DRS team on time, given that the excessively busy international calendar has had no precedence of such an issue arising recently. The Pakistan-New Zealand series was confirmed in early August.
It’ll also help not fuel the issue and talks of a potential clash with the BCCI, which has every right to buy the best and as many crews for its premier T20 tournament the IPL.
As it has panned out, though, PCB confirmed on Saturday (September 11) that the Pakistan-New Zealand ODI series has had a status change due to the unavailability of DRS.
Pakistan-New Zealand ODIs status changed
More details
https://t.co/i3gmU9NEhV#PAKvNZ
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 11, 2021
The ODIs played in mid September will no longer count as part of the Super League since ICC playing conditions make it a necessary requirement for DRS to be in use during the league.
The PCB confirmed that Pakistan’s 50-over internationals against New Zealand that are specifically part of the Super League will now be held in the 2022-23 season when the Kiwis return to their shores for 2 Tests and 3 ODIs.