Discover Why DRS is Absent in the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe One-Off Test Match

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is taking place at Harare Sports Club. Both teams are not regular participants in Test cricket, making this an important opportunity for them to demonstrate their abilities. The Zimbabwean team won the toss and opted to field first, taking advantage of a pitch favorable for seam bowlers.

Absence of DRS in the Test Match

Notably, the Decision Review System (DRS) will not be in use during this match. This means that teams cannot challenge any on-field umpire decisions, which adds an element of uncertainty to the game. The absence of DRS is primarily due to financial constraints faced by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board.

Financial Implications of DRS

• The cost of implementing DRS can range between $300,000 to $500,000 for a Test match.
• Zimbabwe’s cricket management decided against using DRS to conserve its limited financial resources.
• This match is a standalone event and not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Without DRS, the reliance on on-field umpires’ accuracy is heightened. The umpires will need to be particularly vigilant in their decision-making throughout the match.

History and Usage of DRS

DRS was first introduced during a Test series between Sri Lanka and India in 2008. Since then, it has become a staple in international cricket across all formats. In white-ball cricket, teams are permitted two reviews per innings, and DRS is widely used in various T20 leagues globally.

This situation emphasizes the financial challenges faced by cricket boards, particularly those with fewer resources, in adopting modern technology to enhance the spectator experience and fairness of the game.