IPL 2026 Tech Explained: How Ball Tracking, LBW And UltraEdge Work

New Delhi: With the beginning of IPL 2026, the echo of fours and sixes has once again been heard on the field. But today's cricket is not limited to the performance of batsmen and bowlers only. Now technology has a strong role behind every major decision, which has made the game more accurate and fair. With the help of technology, the scope for error in umpires' decisions has reduced significantly.

What is Hawk-Eye's role in the match?

Hawk-Eye technology is considered the backbone of today's cricket. Several high-speed cameras installed in the stadium record the entire journey of the ball. After this, a 3D trajectory of the ball is prepared through the computer, from which it is understood whether the ball hits the stumps or not. Especially in decisions like LBW, this technique proves to be very important for the third umpire.

How do UltraEdge and Snickometer help?

UltraEdge and Snickometer come in handy when there is very light contact between the ball and the bat. These systems combine sound and visual data to tell whether the ball has touched the bat or not. A small spike visible on the screen signals to the umpire whether an edge has been taken or not. This technique is very useful in close catches and LBW decisions.

What are smart stumps, and how do they work?

Now even cricket stumps have become hi-tech. These have LED lights and sensors, which become active immediately as soon as the ball hits them. As soon as the bells fall, the lights come on and the signal is transmitted directly to the umpire. With this, decisions like bold and runout can be taken quickly and without any confusion.

What does Hot Spot technology show?

Hot Spot is a technology based on infrared cameras, which shows the contact between the ball and the bat or pad. When the ball hits, a slight heat is generated, which is captured by this system. This contact is visible as a white mark on the screen, which makes it easier for the umpire to take decisions, especially when it is very close.

Has technology made cricket more reliable?

In the last few years, these technologies have changed the face of sports. Now decisions are not based only on vision but also on the basis of data and visual analysis. This has not only increased the confidence of the players but also gives a feeling of transparency to the spectators. Overall, technology has made cricket more fair and modern.