Kerala Cricket League to introduce IPL-style Hawk-Eye DRS for 2026 season

The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) will implement the Hawk-Eye ball-tracking system for its Decision Review System (DRS), aligning it with international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

This upgrade to Hawk-Eye, using six to 10 dedicated cameras, will significantly improve the accuracy of umpiring decisions, particularly for LBW calls.

The KCL is also focusing on enhancing fan experience with a Fan Village and entertainment programmes, alongside live broadcast and streaming on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) will use the Hawk-Eye ball-tracking system, the same technology employed in international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), for its Decision Review System (DRS) this season.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) signed the agreement for the upgraded system on Thursday, significantly enhancing the tournament’s officiating standards.

While the inaugural edition of the KCL also featured DRS, it relied on a ball-tracking system commonly used in domestic and local leagues. The adoption of Hawk-Eye marks a major technological upgrade, bringing the tournament’s review system on par with elite international competitions.

In addition to the cameras used for the live broadcast, six to 10 dedicated cameras will be installed around the stadium exclusively for Hawk-Eye ball tracking and analysis, enabling more accurate reviews of LBW decisions and other contentious calls.

The matches will be officiated by a panel that includes international umpire K N Ananthapadmanabhan and IPL umpire Tony Emmatty, among other experienced officials.

All KCL matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.

The KCA is also planning several initiatives to enhance the fan experience and attract larger crowds to the stadium. A Fan Village featuring interactive games and entertainment zones will be set up outside the Sports Hub Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Entertainment programmes will also be held during the interval between the day’s two matches.