Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take financial responsibility for Decision Review System (DRS) technology and ensure uniformity across international cricket, following a series of contentious decisions during the ongoing Ashes 2025–26 series.
Snicko controversy sparks frustration during third Test
The debate intensified during the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, where England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith was involved in two disputed DRS calls. After surviving the first appeal, Starc was caught on the stump microphone remarking that “Snicko needs to be sacked”, a comment that quickly drew attention amid growing concerns over the reliability of the technology.
Starc calls for ICC-funded, centralised technology
Speaking after the match, the 35-year-old pacer questioned why the same decision-making tools were not used worldwide, admitting that the situation had become increasingly frustrating for players and officials alike.
“I’m sure it’s frustrating for everyone — viewers, officials, broadcasters, no doubt,” Starc said.
“One thing I will say … I’m only going to speak for myself here — the officials use it, right? So why doesn’t the ICC pay for it? And why is it not just one [provider] across the board? Why don’t we use the same technology in all different series, that’s going to perhaps create less confusion, less frustration? So that’s where I’ll leave that.”
Technology failure forces review reversal
The controversy deepened when England had a review reinstated on the second morning of the Adelaide Test after Snicko suppliers BBG Sports admitted to operator error. The mistake had initially resulted in an incorrect reprieve for Alex Carey, who went on to score a century on the opening day.
Multiple incidents raise trust issues
Another disputed moment on day two again brought Real Time Snicko (RTS) under scrutiny, leading to Starc’s on-field outburst being picked up on the stump mic. Both teams expressed dissatisfaction, with tensions mounting over what they viewed as inconsistent decision-making.
Boards set to lobby ICC over DRS protocols
In response to the incidents, Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are expected to lobby the ICC to review its DRS protocols. A key point of discussion is the current system in which host broadcasters bear the cost of the technology, something Starc believes should be centrally managed.
Two approved systems, one major divide
The ICC currently approves two sound-based edge detection systems — Real Time Snicko (RTS), used in Australia, and UltraEdge, used in most other countries. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting suggested during the Adelaide Test that umpires “can’t trust” RTS and indicated that UltraEdge was the more reliable option.
Cummins notes inconsistency but stays diplomatic
Australia captain Pat Cummins also acknowledged the issue, noting differences between systems used at home and overseas.
“The one here seems a little bit different to sometimes what you get overseas,” Cummins said.
“There’s always a few murmurs. You’re hoping that it matches up if you’re the bowling team. Sometimes you’re kind of just making sure that it’s all okay if you’re batting, even though you feel like you haven’t hit it. It sometimes doesn’t feel super consistent, but you just crack on whatever the umpire says.”
No mid-series change despite concerns
Although UltraEdge is used in the Big Bash League, there is no provision to switch technology providers mid-series, meaning RTS will continue to be used for the remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
DRS roots and growing questions
The DRS system was first introduced in international cricket during the India–Sri Lanka Test series in 2008, with the aim of eliminating clear umpiring errors. However, the latest Ashes controversy has reignited debate over whether the system itself now needs reform.
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