New Zealand-designed ‘Sonic’ technology has been approved for use in the Decision Review System (DRS) during the India-New Zealand cricket series, marking its first appearance in the international series beginning in Christchurch on October 22, 2026.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC), broadcaster Sky and technology provider Virtual Eye confirmed the development following an extensive programme of testing, validation and independent assessment conducted in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The introduction of Sonic technology adds a new edge-detection system to the DRS setup, which helps umpires review close decisions and provides viewers with additional information about potential contact between the bat and ball.
Virtual Eye has been accredited by the ICC for ball-tracking technology since 2008. With the addition of Sonic, the company will now provide the complete suite of DRS technology for the upcoming India-New Zealand tour.
The tour will feature all three formats of international cricket: Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The technology is expected to support match officials in making more informed decisions while improving the way key moments are presented to television audiences.
DRS has become an important part of modern cricket, allowing teams to challenge certain on-field decisions within established review rules. Technologies used in the system help officials assess incidents that may be difficult to judge accurately in real time.
The approval of Sonic represents another development in cricket technology, particularly in the use of advanced tools to examine bat-and-ball contact. Its introduction during the India-New Zealand series will bring the system into a high-profile international cricket environment.
The move highlights ongoing efforts by cricket authorities and technology providers to strengthen decision-making processes and enhance the viewing experience for fans worldwide.
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