DRS technology should be consistent - Dar

Aleem Dar, the ICC Elite umpire, has joined the chorus for the mandatory use of the Hot Spot technology for all series to minimise umpiring errors. Dar said he was fully supportive of the Decision Review System (DRS), and wanted consistency in the use of various technology.

"In the recent Sri Lanka-England series the Hot Spot technology was not being used. To have the use of consistent elements of technology at each match would make it easier for players, spectators and umpires alike," Dar told PakPassion.net. "DRS ensures that most decisions can be corrected."

The two Tests in Sri Lanka had its share of controversies, most recently involving Tillakaratne Dilshan's dismissal on the fourth day at the P Sara Oval. Dilshan was adjudged caught at slip off Graeme Swann by Bruce Oxenford and immediately signalled for a review. The third umpire, Rod Tucker, took an age looking at the images but without the infra-red cameras he ruled that there was no conclusive evidence to advise the on-field umpire if he had made an error.

On the first day, England thought they had Thilan Samaraweera caught at short leg and asked for review, but it remained a not out decision. Following that, Steven Finn, who was the bowler involved, said he would like to see Hot Spot available all the time.

Series involving India are usually free of DRS, given India's vocal stance against the system since its inception in 2008. But cash-strapped members like Sri Lanka find it difficult to afford it because the high cost of the cameras has to be shared by the host country and broadcaster.

Dar said on-field umpires should view the DRS as a tool to assist them, and not be ashamed to reverse a wrong decision.

"I am human, I know I will make mistakes, but I just concentrate on the next delivery. I would say to any umpires out there that if you have made a mistake just concentrate on the next delivery and don't let that earlier mistake affect your confidence," Dar said.

"I'm fully supportive of the DRS and other technology and don't see it as interfering with my umpiring or detrimental to my performance. Even the best umpires will make mistakes and if technology highlights those mistakes and gets the right decision made, then that is good for the game of cricket."

Dar said he had made some recommendations to the PCB to improve the standard of umpiring in Pakistan, including using television footage in domestic matches as a review-tool for the officials.

"I've said that regular fitness tests need to be done for all umpires in Pakistan," he said. "At the moment the ICC carries out regular eye tests and hearing tests and that should also be done in Pakistan particularly before any major tournament.

"I suggested to the PCB that if domestic matches or tournaments aren't televised then at least get some video coverage of those matches so that umpires can watch the footage and also it will help the selectors and players too. Once you have that recording, it can help everyone including the umpires.

"Another suggestion I have made is to ensure that they use the Kookaburra ball in domestic cricket, as whenever our cricketers use this ball in other countries they struggle to cope with it."