New Zealand Cricket (NZC), broadcaster Sky and sports technology company Virtual Eye have confirmed that Sonic technology will be used in the Decision Review System (DRS) during New Zealand’s upcoming home series against India.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the approval marks the first time the technology will be used as part of DRS in an international series. The system is designed to help third umpires assess possible contact between the bat and ball.
How Sonic Technology Works
Sonic uses advanced audio analysis to help officials determine whether the ball has made contact with the bat. This can assist third umpires when reviewing close decisions during a match.
The technology will complement Virtual Eye’s existing ball-tracking system, which has held International Cricket Council (ICC) accreditation since 2008.
ICC and BCCI Support Testing
The approval follows extensive testing, validation and independent assessment conducted in consultation with the ICC. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also supported the process.
NZC said the assessment was designed to ensure the technology meets the standards required for international cricket. Virtual Eye, a New Zealand-based company, has spent years developing and refining the system.
What It Means for India’s Tour
The technology is expected to support decision-making during the upcoming New Zealand-India series while enhancing the broadcast experience for viewers.
However, approval for this tour does not automatically guarantee its use in future competitions. Any further use will remain subject to the ICC’s accreditation and approval processes.
The introduction of Sonic represents another development in cricket technology, with audio analysis joining existing tools used to help officials review close decisions.