Why DRS Was Unavailable During MI vs GT IPL 2025 Match 56 Explained

During IPL 2025 Match 56 between MI and GT, DRS was temporarily unavailable due to a technical glitch in the broadcast system, specifically a fiber optic connection issue. This disrupted ball-tracking and ultra-edge technology, leading to confusion and controversy. The system was restored later, but raised concerns about backup infrastructure.

Cricket fans tuning in for the high-stakes IPL 2025 Match 56 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) were left confused and frustrated when the Decision Review System (DRS) was suddenly unavailable during a critical phase of the match. Given how crucial DRS has become in modern cricket, its absence sparked widespread debate across social media, with many questioning the reason behind the disruption. Here's what happened.

The Incident: No DRS in the First Few Overs

During the match's first innings, players and commentators noted that DRS was not being used for LBW and caught-behind decisions. The absence of ultra-edge and ball-tracking led to visible confusion on the field. On two occasions, potential LBW decisions could not be reviewed, possibly altering the game's momentum. This caused immediate concern, especially in a match with playoff implications.

The Reason Behind the DRS Unavailability

According to official sources from the BCCI and IPL broadcast team, the DRS was unavailable due to a temporary technical failure in the broadcast truck. Specifically, the ball-tracking and ultra-edge systems, which rely heavily on multiple synchronized camera feeds and real-time data processing, were disrupted due to connectivity issues.

It was reported that the fiber optic connection used for transmitting the data from the stadium to the production unit experienced a malfunction, making it impossible to generate accurate ball-tracking visuals or ultra-edge replays in real-time. Engineers on site quickly restored the system, which came back online after the initial few overs.

What the Broadcasters and BCCI Said

In a brief statement, the IPL technical team confirmed:

"A technical fault in the broadcast system caused a delay in the availability of DRS during the early stages of the MI vs GT match. The issue was resolved quickly, and DRS resumed once all systems were fully operational."

While this provided some clarity, the temporary loss of DRS, especially during such a crucial match, led to a debate about backup measures and the reliance on broadcast infrastructure for key decision-making tools.

Fan and Player Reactions

Fans quickly expressed their frustration on social media, with hashtags like #NoDRS and #MIvsGT trending during the game. Some argued that teams were unfairly disadvantaged, while others questioned why a tournament of IPL's scale didn't have a fallback system in place.

Players from both sides appeared visibly confused on-field but were cooperative with the umpiring decisions. During the broadcast, experts, including former players, emphasized the need for contingency planning to ensure uninterrupted access to technology like DRS.

Conclusion

While the unavailability of DRS during MI vs GT Match 56 in IPL 2025 was due to a temporary technical glitch, it exposed a vulnerability in the current setup of high-tech cricket tournaments. With fan expectations high and the stakes even higher, moments like these underline the need for robust, fail-safe systems to maintain the integrity of the sport.