Decision Review System

DRS was preceded by a system to allow on-field umpires to refer some decisions to the third umpire to be decided using TV replays, in place since November 1992.

DRS which was adopted by the game of cricket has also seen several other sports such as the high-profile International Soccer, Tennis, etc. incorporating this idea of Player Referral and goal-line technology into the game.

The Player Referral system was first tested in an India v. Sri Lanka match in 2008,{{cite web|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/53230-umpiring-decision-review-system-on-the-cards|title=Umpiring decision review system on the cards – NDTV Sports|last=NDTVSports.com|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=25 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825204051/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/53230-umpiring-decision-review-system-on-the-cards|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/umpire-review-system-to-be-trialled-in-sri-lanka-india-tests-354984|title = Umpire review system to be trialled in Sri Lanka-India Tests|website = ESPN Cricinfo|date = 16 June 2008}} and was officially launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on 24 November 2009, during the first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan at the University Oval in Dunedin.{{cite web |url=http://cricketnext.in.com/news/decision-review-system-set-for-debut/45336-13.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126234422/http://cricketnext.in.com/news/decision-review-system-set-for-debut/45336-13.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2009 |title=Decision Review System set for debut |date= 23 November 2009 |publisher= Cricketnext.in |access-date=18 February 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/436290.html |title=Official debut for enhanced review system |date=23 November 2009 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=10 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110054708/http://www.cricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/436290.html |url-status=live }} It was first used in One Day Internationals (ODI) in January 2011 during England's tour of Australia.{{cite news |title=Referrals to be used in Australia-England ODI series |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/9361306.stm |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=16 January 2011 |access-date=16 January 2011 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808115944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/9361306.stm |url-status=live }} The ICC initially made the UDRS mandatory in all international matches,{{cite web|title=Mandatory for all matches|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/520913.html|access-date=29 June 2011|archive-date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701071730/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/520913.html|url-status=live}} but later made its use optional, so that the system would only be used if both teams agree. The ICC has agreed to continue to work on the technology and will try to incorporate its use into all ICC events.{{cite news | url=http://www.weeklytimesofindia.com/sports-news/no-mandatory-use-of-decision-review-system-says-icc/ | work=The Times of India | title=No mandatory use of Decision Review System, says ICC | access-date=16 May 2014 | archive-date=14 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714204128/http://www.weeklytimesofindia.com/sports-news/no-mandatory-use-of-decision-review-system-says-icc/ | url-status=live }}

In October 2012, the ICC made amendments on lbw protocols, increasing the margin of uncertainty when the ball hits the batsman's pad.{{cite news| url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/icc-paves-day-night-tests/32709| title=ICC paves way for Day-Night Tests| publisher=Wisden India| date=29 October 2012| access-date=30 October 2012| archive-date=30 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630231143/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/icc-paves-day-night-tests/32709| url-status=dead}} In July 2016, the rules were amended once again, reducing the margin of uncertainty.{{cite web | url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1031741.html | title=ICC approves changes to DRS playing conditions | access-date=2 July 2016 | publisher=ESPNcricinfo | archive-date=3 July 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703115204/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1031741.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2016/media-releases/95256/icc-annual-conference-concludes-in-edinburgh|title=ICC Annual Conference concludes in Edinburgh|publisher=ICC Development (International) Limited|date=2 July 2016|access-date=14 July 2016|archive-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008113208/http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2016/media-releases/95256/icc-annual-conference-concludes-in-edinburgh|url-status=dead}} The updated rules were first used in the ODI match between Ireland and South Africa in September 2016.{{cite news |title=South Africa-Ireland ODI first to feature new DRS |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1058341.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-date=25 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925190244/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1058341.html |url-status=live }}

In September 2013, the ICC announced that for a trial period starting in October 2013, a team's referrals would be reset to two after 80 overs in an innings in Test matches. Previously each team had a maximum of two unsuccessful reviews per innings.{{cite news|url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/reviews-topped-up-80-overs/76203|title=Reviews to be topped-up after 80 overs|publisher=Wisden India|date=18 September 2013|access-date=19 September 2013|archive-date=9 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709045448/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/reviews-topped-up-80-overs/76203|url-status=dead}}

Starting in November 2014 from Australia's ODI series versus South Africa, the field umpires' communications have also been broadcast to the viewers. Whenever a decision is reviewed by the TV umpire, their communication with the field umpire can be heard.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/icc-allows-umpire-communications-to-be-broadcast-during-australia-south-africa-series/2014-11-12|title=Umpire communications to be broadcast|website=cricket.com.au|access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113163157/https://www.cricket.com.au/news/icc-allows-umpire-communications-to-be-broadcast-during-australia-south-africa-series/2014-11-12|url-status=live}}

In February 2013, the ICC agreed the use for all future ICC World Twenty20 tournaments, with one review per team.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1080868.html |title=Big-Three rollback begins, BCCI opposes |date=4 February 2017 |access-date=4 February 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=5 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205015236/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1080868.html |url-status=live }} The first T20 tournament to use the technology was the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1081282.html |title=Uniform DRS likely from October |date=6 February 2017 |access-date=6 February 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=6 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206091926/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/1081282.html |url-status=live }} It was used in the knockout stages of 2017 Indian Premier League, which was the first time DRS used in a T20 league. DRS was used for the first time in a Twenty20 International in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20950249/australia-denied-advantage-new-rules|title=Australia denied advantage of new rules|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020180316/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20950249/australia-denied-advantage-new-rules|url-status=live}}

Under the new ICC rules of November 2017, there would no longer be a top-up of reviews after 80 overs in Test matches, and teams will have only 2 unsuccessful reviews every innings. However, teams would no longer lose a review for an "umpire's call" (a ruling in which the on field's umpire's ruling stands due to inconclusive data) on an LBW review.

In 2020, the requirement to appoint neutral match officials was temporarily suspended due to the logistical challenges with international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following from this change, the number of unsuccessful reviews per test innings was raised from 2 to 3 keeping in mind that there may be less experienced umpires on duty at times.{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1679360|title=Interim regulation changes approved|website=icc-cricket.com|access-date=27 January 2021|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307061820/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1679360|url-status=live}}

From 1 June 2023, the "soft-signal" requirement for umpires when referring catches was scrapped as they were "unnecessary and at times confusing".{{Cite web |date=2023-05-15 |title='Waste of time': ICC finally scraps soft signal rule after years of controversy |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/waste-of-time-icc-finally-scraps-soft-signal-rule-after-years-of-controversy/news-story/388d168c31868e86e48cc4c683a99e3e |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=ICC scraps soft-signal rule for contentious catches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-scraps-soft-signal-rule-for-contentious-catches-1375894 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}

The components of DRS are:

File:Snickometer - Broadcast Example.jpg

File:Hot Spot - Broadcast Example.png

• Video replays, including slow motion.
• Hawk-Eye,{{Cite news|url=https://www.techbuzzin.com/blog/2017/04/09/technology-in-sports-drs-goalref/|title=Technology in Sports:DRS,GoalRef & HawkEye {{!}} TechBuzzIn™|date=9 April 2017|work=TechBuzzIn™|access-date=15 April 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=26 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426193157/http://www.techbuzzin.com/blog/2017/04/09/technology-in-sports-drs-goalref/|url-status=live}} or Virtual Eye (also known as Eagle Eye): ball-tracking technology that plots the trajectory of a bowling delivery that has been interrupted by the batter, often by the pad, and can predict whether it would have hit the stumps.
• Real Time Snicko (RTS) or Ultra-Edge{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20548334/ultra-edge-ready-test-use|title=Ultra-edge ready for Test use|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114100254/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20548334/ultra-edge-ready-test-use|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2015/features-and-specials/89667/qa-with-geoff-allardice-on-the-loughborough-technology-trial|title=Q&A with Geoff Allardice on the Loughborough technology trial|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220184724/http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2015/features-and-specials/89667/qa-with-geoff-allardice-on-the-loughborough-technology-trial|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/20/decision-review-system-drs-cricket-technology-india|title=Why universal use of DRS is getting closer, but still not close enough | Mike Selvey|date=20 October 2015|website=The Guardian |access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114105103/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/20/decision-review-system-drs-cricket-technology-india|url-status=live}} (Hawk-Eye Innovations): directional microphones to detect small sounds made as the ball hits the bat or pad. The use of the original Snickometer was superseded by Real Time Snicko in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/content/story/685391.html|title=Hot Spot may earn Ashes reprieve|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129151859/http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/content/story/685391.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=TNN |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/international-home |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906155101/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-07/top-stories/29746405_1_udrs-hot-spot-glove |url-status=live |archive-date=6 September 2012 |title='Hot spot's success rate is 90-95%' |date=7 July 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=21 July 2013}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/current/story/551668.html/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202200618/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/current/story/551668.html/|title=Hawk-Eye needs a leap of faith - Srinivasan|archive-date=2 February 2012}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/DRS-BCCI-warms-up-to-MIT-approved-technology/articleshow/54950391.cms|title=DRS: BCCI warms up to MIT-approved technology | Cricket News - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=20 October 2016 |access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124111751/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/DRS-BCCI-warms-up-to-MIT-approved-technology/articleshow/54950391.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/no-hotspot-for-india-england-tests-in-2017-1063742|title=No HotSpot for India-England Tests|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} RTS is calibrated each morning without needing manual syncing during play.{{Cite web|title=Snicko is Hot Spot's insurance policy|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/snicko-is-hot-spot-s-insurance-policy-690259|access-date=2022-01-07|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231210638/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/snicko-is-hot-spot-s-insurance-policy-690259|url-status=live}} The third umpire interprets RTS/Ultra-Edge data by checking if an audio spike occurs on the frame before, on the frame, or the frame after the ball passes the bat.{{Cite web|date=2013-12-14|title=England baffled by Root's DRS dismissal|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21650419/england-baffled-joe-root-drs-dismissal|access-date=2022-01-07|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215832/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21650419/england-baffled-joe-root-drs-dismissal|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Cricket: Talking points from day two of the Fifth Ashes Test|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/cricket-talking-points-from-day-two-of-the-fifth-ashes-test/XR6RQGKQOHWAO6MGFLQ3G5PMRE/|access-date=2022-01-07|website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ|archive-date=7 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107210326/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/cricket-talking-points-from-day-two-of-the-fifth-ashes-test/XR6RQGKQOHWAO6MGFLQ3G5PMRE/|url-status=live}}
• Hot Spot: Infra-red imaging system that shows where the ball has been in contact with bat or pad. Improved cameras were introduced for the 2012 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/548170.html/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111151130/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/548170.html/|title=New cameras should capture faintest of edges - Hot Spot inventor|archive-date=11 January 2012}} The system came under fire after the 2013 Ashes in England.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/23645802|title=Hot Spot should be removed - Vaughan|work=BBC Sport |access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129202512/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/23645802|url-status=live}} It was claimed that using silicone tape prevented faint edges being picked by Hot Spot, which was later confirmed by a MIT report.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2016/06/06/hot-spot-can-be-fooled-by-bat-tape-say-scientists/|title=Hot Spot can be fooled by bat tape, say scientists|first=Nick|last=Hoult|date=6 June 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=7 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107210256/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2016/06/06/hot-spot-can-be-fooled-by-bat-tape-say-scientists/|url-status=live}}

In many cases, the event occurs in a fraction of a second. At their discretion, on-field umpires may request the Third Umpire reviews the following dismissal decisions:{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/rules-and-regulations/playing-conditions |title=ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions Effective 1 September 2019 |work=ICC |pages=Appendix D: Decision Review System (DRS), Section 2 Umpire Review |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206150700/https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/rules-and-regulations/playing-conditions |url-status=live }}

• Run out. If the on-field umpires are unable to decide if the batsman is out, they may request the third umpire to ascertain whether the batsman had made it home. Also the case where both batsmen have run to the same end and the on-field umpires are uncertain over which batsman made his ground first. An example of this was the Third Test between New Zealand and the West Indies in 2006.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36SLpqAymTEvettori |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531062613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36SLpqAymTEvettori |archive-date=31 May 2023 |url-status=dead|title=Bizarre Runout|website=YouTube}}
• Caught and Obstructing the field if both umpires are unsure. In some cases the fielder may catch the ball a few inches above ground level. If the umpire's vision is obscured or is unsure if the ball bounced before the fielder caught the ball, he can refer the decision. The third umpire also checks whether the delivery was a no-ball and whether the batsman hit the ball.
• Whether the delivery causing any dismissal was a no-ball.

Note the on-field umpires may not request the Third Umpire review an LBW decision (apart from whether the delivery was a no-ball).

The on-field umpires may also request the Third Umpire reviews the following:

• Boundary calls (to see if a batter hit a four or a six). In some cases the ball may bounce just a foot inside the boundary rope resulting in four runs. If the umpire needs to ascertain if it had been a 4 or a 6, he may consult the third umpire. Near the boundary, often a fielder may dive to save the ball from travelling beyond the boundary. If the fielder makes any simultaneous contact with the boundary and the cricket ball, 4 runs are declared. A third umpire may also be consulted in such a case.
• Whether the ball has hit cameras on or over the field of play.

Umpire Reviews are also available to the on-field umpires when there is a Third umpire but the full UDRS is not in use. In this case, the Third umpire uses television replays (only) to come to a decision, and not the additional technology such as ball-tracking.{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/rules-and-regulations/playing-conditions |title=ICC Men's One Day International Playing Conditions Effective 30 September 2018 |work=ICC |date=30 September 2018 |access-date=14 January 2020 |quote=Appendix D, paragraph 1.1.6, THIRD UMPIRE (NON-DRS), Replays that can be used: The third umpire shall only have access to replays of any camera images. Other technology which may be in use by the broadcaster for broadcast purposes (for example, ball-tracking technology, sound-based edge detection technology, and heat-based edge detection technology) shall not be used during Umpire Reviews. |archive-date=6 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206150700/https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/rules-and-regulations/playing-conditions |url-status=live }}

{{CSS image crop|Image=Lords (5968204616).jpg|bSize=450|cWidth=300|cHeight=210|oTop=60|oLeft=60|Location=right|Description=Scoreboard showing number of DRS unsuccessful Player Reviews remaining for India (2) and England (2).}}

A fielding team may use the system to dispute a "not out" decision and a batting team may use it to dispute an "out" decision. The fielding team captain or the batter being dismissed invokes the challenge by signalling a "T" with the arms or arm and bat. A challenge is only used in situations that did or could result in a dismissal: for example, to determine if the ball is a legal catch (making contact with the batter's bat or glove and not touching the ground before being held by a fielder), or if a delivery made the criteria for an LBW dismissal.

Once the challenge is invoked, acknowledged, and agreed, the Third Umpire reviews the play.

Each team can initiate referrals until they reach the limit of unsuccessful reviews.{{cite news|url=http://cricket.about.com/od/glossary/fl/Decision-Review-System-DRS.htm|title=Decision Review System (DRS)|access-date=18 December 2014|archive-date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218181225/http://cricket.about.com/od/glossary/fl/Decision-Review-System-DRS.htm|url-status=live}} This limit is three unsuccessful review requests per innings during a Test match, and two unsuccessful review requests per innings during a One Day International or T20I (this limit was temporarily raised to three per innings for tests and two for one-day matches from July 2020 as a COVID-19-related rule change but has since become permanent{{cite news |url=https://thesportsrush.com/cricket-news-how-many-reviews-in-test-cricket-have-number-of-drs-reviews-changed-in-the-covid-19-era/ |title=How many reviews in Test cricket: Have number of DRS reviews changed in the COVID-19 era? |access-date=14 August 2020 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919193246/https://thesportsrush.com/cricket-news-how-many-reviews-in-test-cricket-have-number-of-drs-reviews-changed-in-the-covid-19-era/ |url-status=live }}). From 2013 until September 2017, the number of reviews available for a team in a Test innings was topped-up to two after 80 overs. From October 2017, if the on-field decision remains unchanged because the DRS shows "umpire's call", the team will not lose its review.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20822607/the-new-cricket-rule-changes-coming-effect-september-28|title=The new cricket rule changes coming into effect from September 28|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=13 October 2017|archive-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407004837/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20822607/the-new-cricket-rule-changes-coming-effect-september-28|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/drs-in-t20is-restricted-bat-sizes-among-icc-s-new-changes-in-cricket/story-L84LHJzIuSjsycuC3Y6cRO.html|title=Cricket to change, new rules on run-outs, bat size, poor behaviour from Sept. 28|date=26 September 2017|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113163120/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/drs-in-t20is-restricted-bat-sizes-among-icc-s-new-changes-in-cricket/story-L84LHJzIuSjsycuC3Y6cRO.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/672679.html |title=Reviews to be reset after 80 overs |access-date=21 October 2017 |archive-date=21 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021171332/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/672679.html |url-status=live }}

As DRS is designed to allow for clear errors to be corrected, umpires call is utilised in situations where there are doubts in the accuracy of the technology, or the decision is not a clear error. This is utilised when determining LBW.

When determining LBW, the umpire must be sure of multiple factors. Where the ball "pitches" or lands on the pitch, where the ball impacts on the player, if the player has hit the ball with their bat before it impacts the player, as well as if the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. This is usually split into three sections. "Pitching", "Impact" and "Wickets".{{Cite web |title=Law 36: Leg Before Wicket |url=https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket/leg-before-wicket |work=MCC |access-date=7 January 2025}}

Umpire's call is not utilised for where the ball pitches, or if the player has hit the ball first.

For a decision to be umpires call, the ball must either be judged to impact the player with less than 50% of the ball in line with the stumps, or less than 50% of the ball must be judged to be hitting the stumps, either horizontally or vertically.

In addition, due to issues with the technology available, any impact with the player 300 cm or more from the stumps, or less than 40 cm between the ball pitching and impact the player, is also judged to be umpires call.{{Cite web |title=Umpire's Call explained: Why is that not out? |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/3319658 |work=Cricket Australia |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=7 January 2025}}

If either impact or wickets is judged umpires call. The original umpires decision is upheld and the reviewing team retains their review.{{Cite web |title=Teams to retain review for 'umpire's call' verdict |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/teams-to-retain-review-for-umpire-s-call-verdict-1105609 |work=espnCricinfo |date=23 June 2017 |access-date=7 January 2025}}

The implementation of Umpire's Call has been noted in other sports whereby similar issues have arisen in the case of highly-marginal decisions (i.e. not a "clear mistake) which are perceived to be unfairly decided by forensic and technical means.{{Cite web |title=Football is getting VAR wrong – it should learn from cricket |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/sport/2019/06/football-getting-var-wrong-it-should-learn-cricket |work=New Statesman |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-date=8 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808205837/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/sport/2019/06/football-getting-var-wrong-it-should-learn-cricket |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=DRS vs VAR: Four ways football can learn from cricket's technology |url=https://www.cricket365.com/cricket-features/drs-vs-var-four-ways-football-can-learn-from-crickets-technology/ |work=cricket365 |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020090738/https://www.cricket365.com/cricket-features/drs-vs-var-four-ways-football-can-learn-from-crickets-technology/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Solving the Premier League's VAR mess: Our reporters' proposals on how to end technology debate |quote=Football should take the lead from cricket when it comes to the use of video technology, especially with the closest calls. The first decision of the on-field umpire still counts with LBW appeals that clip the stumps, or contentious catches which may or may not have bounced into the hand. The same logic should apply to football’s offside rule. |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/12/30/solving-premier-leagues-var-mess-reporters-proposals-end-technology/ |work=The Telegraph |date=30 December 2019 |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722120814/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/12/30/solving-premier-leagues-var-mess-reporters-proposals-end-technology/ |url-status=live }}

On April 4, 2021, in the International Cricket Council committee meeting led by Anil Kumble, the height margin of the Wicket Zone was lifted to the top of the stumps to ensure the same Umpire's Call margin around the stumps for both height and width.{{Cite news|title=Anil Kumble-led ICC Committee makes key changes in LBW reviews, but sticks with "Umpire's Call"|url=https://crickettimes.com/2021/04/anil-kumble-led-icc-committee-makes-key-changes-in-lbw-reviews-but-sticks-with-umpires-call/|website=CricketTimes.com|language=en-US|access-date=2021-04-04|archive-date=4 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404063049/https://crickettimes.com/2021/04/anil-kumble-led-icc-committee-makes-key-changes-in-lbw-reviews-but-sticks-with-umpires-call/|url-status=live}}

The third umpire then looks at various TV replays from different angles, comes to a conclusion, and then reports to the on-field umpire whether their analysis supports the original call, contradicts the call, or is inconclusive. The on-field umpire then makes the final decision: either re-signalling a call that is standing or revoking a call that is being reversed and then making the corrected signal. Only clearly incorrect decisions are reversed; if the Third Umpire's analysis is within established margins of error or is otherwise inconclusive, the on-field umpire's original call stands.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/26/the-ashes-2010-umpire-review-system|title=The Ashes 2010: How the Umpire Decision Review System works|access-date=18 December 2014|archive-date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218185549/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/26/the-ashes-2010-umpire-review-system|url-status=live}}

In 2013, ICC tested a broadcaster-free replay system. Under the experiment, a non-match umpire sits in a separate room with a giant monitor and has discretion over which replays to see rather than relying on the broadcaster. The non-match umpire mirrors the role of the third umpire without having the duty of making adjudications. The system was first used in an Ashes Test (where Nigel Llong performed the duties of non-match umpire) and was repeated in a Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/704399.html|title=Officiating Replay System trial for Pakistan-SL series|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819074702/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/704399.html|url-status=live}}

After The Ashes in 2013, the ICC has started to take steps to give third umpire access to instant replays. This is regardless of calls being referred to by on-field umpires. By doing so, ICC wants to make sure that any obvious mistakes are avoided in future.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013/content/story/652785.html|title=ICC trials instant replays for third umpires|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-date=30 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230175015/http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013/content/story/652785.html|url-status=live}}

The Decision Review System has generally received positive response from players and coaches since its launch. Because of its positive response, the ICC has attempted to apply uniform application of DRS in all cricket games around the world, but this has been difficult for some countries to implement. Some countries, especially the poorer ones, are unable to afford the technology and choose to use parts of it or not use it at all.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/decision-review-system-explaining-the-technology-behind-it|title=Decision Review System: Explaining the technology behind it|website=sportskeeda|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181026/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/decision-review-system-explaining-the-technology-behind-it|url-status=live}} The technology is often used by broadcasters to bring an even more vivid analysis of specific plays and games. It was designed to eradicate the errors of umpires, and it has done so in many games.

However, there have been some negative responses to the DRS technology as well. West Indies legend Joel Garner labelled the system a "gimmick".{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/garner-labels-review-system-as-a-gimmick-1837578.html |title=Garner labels review system as a 'gimmick' |date=10 December 2009 |work=The Independent |access-date=18 February 2010 |location=London |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215183104/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/garner-labels-review-system-as-a-gimmick-1837578.html |url-status=live }} Another West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan said that he was not a supporter of the experimental referral system.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/06/cricket-england-west-indies-referral |title=Sarwan unhappy with umpire review system despite reprieve |date=6 December 2009 |work=The Guardian |access-date=18 February 2010 |first=Paul |last=Weaver |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104193934/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/06/cricket-england-west-indies-referral |url-status=live }} Former umpire Dickie Bird also criticised the system, saying it undermines the authority of on-field umpires.{{cite web |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/438444.html?CMP=OTC-RSS |title=Dickie Bird criticises review system |date=7 December 2009 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=7 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107210327/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dickie-bird-criticises-review-system-438444 |url-status=live }} The BCCI has expressed a skeptical view on the adoption of the system if it is near perfect.{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-anurag-thakur-bcci-drs-umpire-icc-virat-kohli-3062578/|title=BCCI open to use DRS if its near perfection: Anurag Thakur|date=3 October 2016|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=10 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110040023/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-anurag-thakur-bcci-drs-umpire-icc-virat-kohli-3062578/|url-status=live}} Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal expressed dissatisfaction over the Decision Review System after a semi-final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup against India. He said that DRS showed the line of the ball deviating more than it actually did.{{cite web|title=Ajmal speaks against DRS|url=http://thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=13503|work=The News International|access-date=3 April 2011|date=2 April 2011|archive-date=5 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405052716/http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=13503|url-status=live}} Hawk-Eye officials admitted in December 2014 that their review technology made an error in a decision to give Pakistan opener Shan Masood out in the second Test against New Zealand in Dubai (17-21 November 2014). At a meeting held at the ICC office in Dubai two weeks later, Hawk-Eye is understood to have conceded to Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and team manager Moin Khan that the projection used by their technology for the Leg before wicket decision was incorrect.{{cite web|title=Hawk-Eye admits technical error in Masood dismissal|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/809021.html|publisher=ESPN Sports Media Ltd.|access-date=8 January 2015|date=10 December 2014|archive-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221031929/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/809021.html|url-status=live}} Also, a challenge can only be made by the captain within a 15-second window from when an initial decision is made, but it can be lengthened if no clear decision is made, especially they are assumed not out if there is no reaction by the umpire.

During the 2012/2013 domestic season Cricket Australia trialed a review system in the domestic one day competition where the third umpire could intervene and review any out or not out decision. The review system was unpopular among players and critics, which the Australian International Twenty20 captain George Bailey calling the system "shocking and embarrassing".{{Cite web|title='Shocking and embarrassing' system may be short-lived {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22128841/shocking-embarrassing-third-umpire-interventions-short-lived|access-date=14 July 2020|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714101108/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22128841/shocking-embarrassing-third-umpire-interventions-short-lived|url-status=live}} The review system was dropped by Cricket Australia after only two rounds of the competition.{{Cite web|last=Hogan|first=Jesse|date=28 November 2012|title=One-dayer umpire shift|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/onedayer-umpire-shift-20121128-2aeea.html|access-date=14 July 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714090139/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/onedayer-umpire-shift-20121128-2aeea.html|url-status=live}}

During an ODI between Australia and South Africa in June 2016, Hawk-Eye's accuracy came under criticism after AB de Villiers was dismissed clean bowled by Josh Hazlewood but subsequent Hawk-Eye trajectory prediction of the same delivery showed that the ball would go over the stumps.{{cite news |last1=Otto |first1=Tyson |title=New review scandal shocks cricket |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/shock-drs-howler-questions-accuracy-of-hawkeye-technology/news-story/3878095d2386cd9e8192a4ccbf523f83 |access-date=13 January 2022 |work=news.com.au |date=15 June 2016}}

An analysis of more than 2,100 Player Reviews between September 2009 and March 2017 found that:{{cite web |title=Statistics and the DRS |url=http://www.sportstats.com.au/articles/drsrev1.pdf |access-date=12 October 2017 |author=Charles Davis |archive-date=13 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013858/http://www.sportstats.com.au/articles/drsrev1.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=The art of the review |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/cricket/story/_/id/19835497/charles-davis-analyses-use-drs-players-teams |publisher=ESPN |language=en |date=1 June 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-date=13 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013639/http://www.espn.co.uk/cricket/story/_/id/19835497/charles-davis-analyses-use-drs-players-teams |url-status=live }}

• 26% of Player Reviews resulted in on-field decisions being overturned.
• Reviews by batsmen were less frequent than reviews by bowling teams, as 41% of reviews were by batsmen and 59% by bowling teams.
• Reviews by batsmen were more likely to be successful, with a 34% success rate, compared to a success rate of about 20% for bowling teams.
• 74% of referrals were for LBW, 18% for wicketkeeper catches, and the rest for catches elsewhere or indeterminate reason. The success rate was only 22% for LBW, compared to 40% for wicketkeeper catches.
• There were on average about 1.4 batting overturns and 1.2 bowling overturns per match. Initial fears that DRS would bring an increase in the number of dismissals have, therefore, not come true.
• The UDRS claims to have 90% accuracy {{Cite journal|last=Slnha, Pandey, & Singh|date=May 2017|title=A research on reliability of Umpire Decision Review System in cricket|url=https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/A-Research-on-Reliability-of-Umpire-Decision-Review-System-in-Cricket.pdf|journal=International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research|volume=8|pages=60–62|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227025828/https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/A-Research-on-Reliability-of-Umpire-Decision-Review-System-in-Cricket.pdf|url-status=live}}

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