One of the most popular and thrilling sports leagues in the world is the Indian Premier League or IPL. The IPL successfully combines cricket, entertainment, and glamour thanks to its elite international players and devoted supporters and fans. The IPL offers it all, from thunderous hits to exciting finishes. Hence, it’s no surprise that it has become a worldwide phenomenon. The broadcasters eagerly pay hefty rates to cover the show. Broadcasters and organizers spend a lot of money to correctly judge the high-stakes game while simultaneously improving the viewing experience. IPL matches need a wide range of technology, many of which are necessary to heighten the overall experience.
Technologies utilized in IPL games
Real-time Data Analytics
Both scores based on data analytics and the T20 format have drawn the attention of viewers worldwide. In recent years, teams have gradually increased their investment in data analytics. Coaches and captains make decisions on the field based on data-driven insights when evaluating matches. Fans have also noticed the rise in the use of data analytics for IPL matches. For the purpose of assisting viewers in staying up to date on the numbers, broadcasters offer viewers real-time statistics. All this is possible due to the advanced technology of data analytics and AI
Buggy Qam
Like the Speed Gun, the Buggy Camera is another device that cricket borrowed from tennis. This method was previously used in athletics to enable a camera dash with competitors. The system’s advantage is that Buggy Camera can travel about the ground due to the wheels, offering a variety of perspectives of both the ground and the players. The IPL version allows for fluid movement even at different angles. The state-of-the-art camera technology eliminates jitter even at maximum zoom, giving high-resolution picture quality.
LED Stumps and Bails
Centimeters occasionally decide the winners of cricket matches, although the stadium where they are played is more than one acre. In a close game, stumblings and run-outs can change the result. Previously, it was challenging to see if the bails had come loose when run-outs came down to picture frames. Due to this special technology, the bails light up as soon as they come off the groove. With the use of this technology, runout and stumping judgments are now more accurate. It has made umpires’ jobs easier and enhanced the viewing experience because seeing the bails light up is a sight to behold.
Dolby Atmos Sound system
Almost every Indian enjoys watching cricket, but not every fan has access to the stadium to support their favorite team. A television viewer can experience a closer connection to the stadium due to the broadcasting network using Dolby Atmos. This method has the capacity to produce noise from over 100 things, offering fans substantially better sound quality. The purpose of broadcasting is to provide viewers with a stadium-like experience in the privacy of their own homes. The ability of this revolutionary technology to precisely guide sound will greatly aid in achieving the desired result.
Speed Gun
The speed gun is one of the oldest yet most useful pieces of technology on the list. The device made it possible for spectators and specialists to estimate and compute the bowler’s speed. It helps to distinguish between the actual pacers and the medium pacers. Contrary to popular belief, the speed gun’s measurements are unaffected by wind because of the employment of microwave technology throughout the entire process. The most fascinating aspect is that the error is less than one kilometer per hour.
Hawk-Eye
In recent years, the IPL has adopted a number of cutting-edge innovations, most notably the use of Hawk-Eye technology to assist umpires in making decisions regarding LBW and boundary catches. Using cameras, the highly accurate system known as Hawk-Eye tracks the movement of the ball and forecasts its path. In television replays, this method is frequently used to show viewers how close a batsman was to his or her ground when the ball was delivered. The use of Hawk-eye in the Indian Premier League has been extremely effective so far.
Spider Cam
The Spider Cam, commonly known as the Flying Fox camera, is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is a camera system that can be managed remotely and consists of a camera linked to a cable connecting two locations. The Spider Cam is used to take the above pictures of the game, giving viewers a fresh vantage point and improving live broadcast quality.
360° Cameras
IPL fans can’t help but rewatch an all-time great like Virat Kohli’s cover drive. Viewers would want to view the image from as many angles as they could. The IPL uses 360-degree cameras to capture a complete view of the field. During the IPL 2021, this technology was first used. Since 100 cameras must be installed throughout the stadium, this technology is very expensive. With the help of these cameras, capturing famous shots like Rohit’s pull shot and Kohli’s cover drive make the investment worthwhile.
Snickometer
The sound of the ball striking the bat or the player’s gloves is picked up by Snickometers, which are electronic equipment that acts as detectors. It is utilized to determine if a player has caught the ball. It has developed into a crucial tool for umpires, helping them to reach more accurate conclusions.
Hotspot
Whether the ball struck the bat or the player’s body is determined by the hotspot technology. To detect the heat generated by the collision, it uses thermal imaging. It has been a reliable tool for umpires to use when determining whether a player has been caught off guard.
How AI is changing the IPL games
Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize various aspects of IPL matches, enhancing the overall experience for players, coaches, and spectators.
Live AI decisions
Cricket scores are accurate due to the fact that AI makes decisions in real time as the game is being played. Machine learning is used to forecast DRS findings (Decision Review System) accurately. In cricket, being run out is one way to be eliminated. When one of the fielders hits the wicket, the batsman is declared out if any part of his body or bat is still on the field. The on-field umpires will indicate a third umpire who is situated in a specific location of the stadium when making a call. After watching an AI generated live replay, the third umpire will determine whether or not the batsman is out.
Health and safety of players
AI is changing the game by caring for IPL players’ health and safety. AI can monitor athletes’ moves to ensure their safety. They can provide details like monitoring a player’s oxygen consumption while exercising, figuring out how successfully your practice or workout session can be changed, or even something as simple as logging a heart rate. Doctors can address physical and psychological issues in athletes more quickly due to AI’s diagnostic capabilities.
Fan engagement through AI programs
AI makes a huge impact on the cricket industry by enabling fans to communicate with their favorite team. By keeping track of news about their favorite teams, tickets for games, notifications on injury reports, and even something as simple as tracking a team’s schedule, virtual assistants and AI can improve fan engagement. AI encourages connection between friends by allowing them to play a fantasy game together as well.
Final thoughts
The IPL has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely fueled by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. These developments have not only enhanced the overall viewing experience for fans but have also revolutionized the way the games are played, analyzed, and managed. The high-tech solutions have simplified various match-related tasks, from introducing innovative tools, such as the Spider-cam and ball-tracking technologies, to implementing data analytics, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. These technologies have truly heightened the match-viewing experience for all IPL fans.