SLC not to use DRS in Australia series

Facing a financial crisis, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided against using the Decision Review System during the Test series against Australia.

Since the new ICC rules, which have made the DRS mandatory for Tests and One-dayers, will come into effect from October 1, SLC can save a lot of money by not opting for the DRS in the Australian tour, starting August.

"We have decided not to have the DRS for the Australian series," Upali Dharmadasa, the SLC interim committee chairman, told the Daily Mirror.

However, Dharmadasa said, the SLC would consider using the technology if a sponsor is available as the cost of the DRS is currently estimated at $5000 per day.

With the Board facing financial difficulties, it is not in a position to spend a huge USD 150,000 (16.5 million Sri Lankan Rupees) to provide the technology for the one-and-a-half-month long series.

Australia will play three Tests, five One-dayers and two Twenty20 Internationals during the tour.

The International Cricket Council chief Haroon Lorgat had said last month that the ICC would look for sponsors for the DRS.

From October this year a revised version of the DRS, including Hot Spot but not ball-tracking technology, will be mandatory for all Tests and ODIs. It would be up to the boards of the playing nations, involved in a bilateral series, to decide whether to use the Hawk-Eye.