In recent times, cricket has revolutionized hugely in terms of player performance and technological aspects. A few innovations such as the Hawk-Eye, Decision Review System (DRS), Snickometer, and Hot Spot have improved the accuracy of the decision-making in cricket. One such innovation is the costly LED stumps and bails equipped with low-voltage batteries that not only assist umpires in making decisions regarding close dismissals but also make the game visually appealing.
The microprocessor is attached to each bail to detect the connection of the ball and stumps that glow every 1/1000th per second. Have you ever wondered why the LED stumps are so costly?
Can you believe that the cost of LED stumps ranges between INR 10 lakhs to 35 lakhs ($11,966 to $41,882 approximately) and the bails upto INR 40–50 thousand ($478.65 to $598.32)? YES! It is a fact. The cost is high due to advanced technological features which vary according to the brand. For example, the LED stumps manufactured by Zing International cost around INR 30 lakhs to 35 lakhs ($35,895 to $41,882), while a pair of bails would solely cost upto INR 50,000 ($598 approximately).
You might feel that you could purchase a brand-new PC or laptop for the cost of bail. Whereas, the LED stumps from other manufacturers such as StumpVision and Intelliconn range between INR 4 lakhs and INR 16 lakhs ($5,000 to $20,000).
Let’s find out who introduced the concept of LED stumps and why it plays a crucial role in cricket. Also, it would be interesting to know who bears the cost of the broken stumps.
Introducing the Concept of LED Stumps in Cricket
The LED stumps were first designed by an Australian engineer named Bronte EcKerman in 2012 and were introduced in early 2013 during the Big Bash League in Australia. The huge success in the league motivated the ICC to introduce the flashing stumps at the international level as well, which led to the first implementation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 played in Bangladesh. After receiving several positive responses, the governing authority has decided that this is the new way of proceeding with international cricket.
As the director of Zing International, Eckermann got the idea of LED bails placed on the top of stumps after he was impressed by one of his daughter’s toys. It was a similar concept to the cricket bails that contain LED lights.
Why LED Stumps play an important role in cricket?
Although LED stumps are costlier than sedan or SUV-type cars, they play a crucial role due to the following features:
1. Touch Sensitive Technology:
The touch-sensitive technology helps the on-field or third umpires to take close calls when it comes to run-outs or stumpings. As soon as the ball strikes the LED stumps, it blinks when the bails are knocked off.
2. Camera and Microphone:
To add thrill to the game, cricket stumps have a camera and microphone fitted to capture various angles and sounds. Most importantly, the stump mic prevents sledging during the game as well as makes it easier for wicketkeepers and slip fielders to deliver instructions to their teammates with a neutral tone.
3. Higher Durability and Lifespan:
If the highly durable LED stumps and bails are used and maintained properly without any damage, it can withstand upto 5 years.
4. Best Viewing Experience for Night Matches:
Particularly during the longest format of white ball cricket such as the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), spectators as well as the match umpires get the best viewing experience of the game. As a result, the viewership rate for the sports gets increased.
5. The Advantage over Traditional Stumps and Bails:
Mainly, these stumps are expensive because the traditional wooden equipment doesn’t assist the third umpire’s decision to figure out if the bails were completely dislocated or not from the normal set of stumps, particularly during run-outs or stump outs.
Who Bears the Cost of Broken Stumps in Cricket?
The series or tournament organizers handle the cost of the broken stumps and not any bowler. For instance, Punjab Kings pace bowler Arshdeep Singh broke the LED middle stump into pieces twice in consecutive deliveries against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022. However, it is a rare scenario that the stumps get broken by any pace bowler in cricket.
Most importantly, you need to know that the BCCI or any nation’s cricketing board doesn’t purchase these LED stumps. Rather, they have signed a long-term contract with Zing International or other companies to supply the stumps.
Overall Facts:
The LED stumps and bails add a new dimension to the cricket viewing experience as well as reduce human errors by contributing to the umpire’s decision. Despite the higher costs, this innovation ensures the fairness of the game and promises to make the sport much more thrilling in the upcoming years
