All the matches of cricket World Cup 2011 will be played without Hot Spot feature available to (–foul word(s) removed–)ist the 3rd umpire. So concluding that the UDRS will have same old basic qualities such as Hawk-eye, super slow motion camera and a microphone near to stumps (not just any Micronesia but a very sharp and clear one).
In the beginning of October 2010, ICC had stated that they will at least use the Hot Spot facility in the semi final matches of the tournament and for the Final as well, but later on ICC confirmed that the supplier of those Hot Spot cameras they were not willing to supply their cameras to use in the world cup 2011, hence making it clear that they won’t be used even at semi-finals and final match of the world cup 2011. Such use of this technology is not a least requirement for the purpose of UDRS.
The owners of this technology did not wish to comment on the decision of their denial. The function of Hot Spot camera is to provide sheer accurate images of the connection between bad, ball and pad using the technology called infrared thermal imaging.
The use of Hot Spot cameras are originated from military usage as in their hardware , war ships, and tanks, hence their usage is very restricted and requires a temporary licence of export from the ADD (Australian Defense Department) whenever these technologies are exported from Australia. And that license only allow the party to borrow the technology for 7 days limited time period and after that it should be returned to the entity by hook or crook.
These beautiful cameras were first introduced in India during the IPL 20-20 matches. It is suspected that the hurdle of sensitive security equipment and expense plus moving of camera here and there , in and out of India and Sri Lanka may have been a provoking point that have made the suppliers to make such a decision.
One of the amazing fact of this camera is that during the ashes tour this camera played an astonishing role when some referrals put forth against umpire Aleem Dar, and when decisions were seen through the hot spot cameras -they favored Aleem Dar’s decisions all the time, hence making that tour very memorable for Aleem Dar, thanks to the brand new technology in cricket world the “Hot Spot” cameras. We really wish if it was used indeed for the world cup matches, at least for Semi Finals and Final, but then again. Sigh!
