IPL 2025: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for innovation — not just in gameplay but also in how the game is governed. From strategic timeouts to player analytics, the IPL has never shied away from embracing change. Now, in 2025, it takes yet another bold step by introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in judging wide balls — especially those delivered outside the off stump and over the batsman’s head.
The move has stirred excitement, curiosity, and, as expected, debate. With AI stepping into a zone traditionally reserved for human judgment, the lines between man and machine in cricket continue to blur. Let’s dive deep into this technological shift and understand its implications on the future of cricket.
The Problem with Wides: Subjectivity in the Spotlight
IPL 2025: For years, wide ball decisions have been one of the most contentious aspects of limited-overs cricket. Unlike front-foot no-balls, which can be adjudicated with clear visual markers, wides — especially those outside the off-stump or above head height — depend heavily on the umpire’s interpretation of the batsman’s position and intent.
Two key issues have plagued wide ball judgments:
- Movement of the Batsman: If a batsman moves across the crease before the ball is delivered, the wide ball zone changes. Umpires must quickly process this in real-time.
- Deceptive Bounce and Angle: Short balls that rise above the batsman’s head or slower ones that drift wide can be tricky to evaluate instantly.
These moments often result in frustration — not just for players and fans, but for umpires too. The need for consistency and fairness has never been more apparent.
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Enter AI: How the Technology Works
IPL 2025: In IPL 2025, AI has been deployed with a mission: assist umpires in determining whether a delivery should be called a wide. The system has been integrated with high-speed cameras, ball-tracking tech, and real-time decision-making algorithms.
Key Features of the AI Wide-Call System:
- Player Movement Tracking: Using motion sensors and computer vision, the AI tracks the batsman’s foot movement and stance at the moment of delivery.
- Ball Path Analysis: With Hawk-Eye-style ball tracking, the AI judges whether the ball would have passed within the “legal” hitting zone for a standard batting position.
- Instant Feedback: Within milliseconds, the AI flashes a recommendation on the umpire’s earpiece or watch — “Wide” or “Not Wide.”
- Override Option: Umpires retain the right to override AI in rare circumstances, but such instances are logged and reviewed.
This hybrid model keeps the umpire in control while using AI as a decision-support tool — a true partnership between tradition and technology.
Case Studies: Early Impact in IPL 2025
IPL 2025: While the full season is still unfolding, several matches have already shown the value of this innovation.
1. Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
IPL 2025: In a nail-biting finish, Jasprit Bumrah bowled a wide yorker outside off-stump. The batsman didn’t attempt a shot and moved slightly before delivery. The on-field umpire was unsure — but the AI flagged it “Not Wide” due to the batsman’s lateral movement. The decision stood, sparking applause from commentators who praised the precision.
2. CSK vs KKR: A Questionable High-Bouncer
IPL 2025: A delivery by a pacer rose awkwardly, sailing over the batsman’s head. While the umpire didn’t initially signal a wide, the AI suggested otherwise, prompting a delayed wide call. It added one crucial run and gave the batting side an extra delivery — which turned out to be a boundary. The AI’s intervention had a direct match impact.
These examples show that AI doesn’t just add fairness — it can also influence match outcomes in high-pressure situations.
Supporters Speak: Why This Was Long Overdue
IPL 2025: Many former cricketers and experts have praised the decision.
Anil Kumble, former India coach and ICC technical committee member, said,
“Technology is not here to replace umpires but to assist them. Wides are among the few remaining grey areas. With AI, we can reduce subjectivity and ensure players get a fair deal.”
Lisa Sthalekar, former Australian cricketer, added,
“With AI in place, we’ll see less argument from players and more trust in the system. That’s a win for the game.”
Fans too have taken to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), calling the feature a “game-changer,” “finally some consistency,” and even jokingly saying, “No more wide-eyes at wide calls!”
The Critics: Too Much Tech?
IPL 2025: However, not everyone is convinced.
Some purists argue that technology risks “dehumanizing” the sport, taking away the organic nature of umpiring. Others feel that over-reliance on AI may undermine the authority of on-field officials.
A few critics also question whether AI can truly understand a batsman’s intent — for instance, a late shuffle or an attempted scoop shot. Can a machine account for the creative unpredictability of human behavior?
In reply, tech developers claim that the algorithms are trained on millions of data points, including unorthodox shot types and batting stances. The AI isn’t just reactive — it learns with each match, becoming smarter over time.
The Bigger Picture: IPL Leading the Way Again
IPL 2025: This move is yet another example of how the IPL sets the benchmark for global cricket. It’s not the first time the league has led innovation:
- Introduction of Snickometer and UltraEdge
- Use of Strategic Timeouts
- Impact Player rule
- Real-time stats on player fatigue, sprint speed, and strike zones
With AI now entering the officiating arena, IPL continues to influence how cricket will be played and judged in the future — not just in India, but worldwide.
The ICC is reportedly monitoring IPL 2025’s AI initiative closely and could propose similar systems for international T20 tournaments and even World Cups.
What Lies Ahead: The Road to Fully-Automated Umpiring?
IPL 2025: While we are not yet at the stage of fully automated umpiring, the AI wide-calling system is a significant milestone. It raises the question: could the future bring complete automation of all decisions — wides, no-balls, LBWs, and even dismissals?
Possibly. But for now, cricket seems to have struck a healthy balance — leveraging technology where it helps the most, while retaining the human element that makes the game so dynamic.
Final Verdict: AI and Umpires – Partners, Not Rivals
IPL 2025: “AI vs Umpire” may sound like a battle, but in truth, it’s a collaboration. The aim isn’t to replace umpires but to equip them with tools that enhance decision-making, improve consistency, and reduce controversy.
In a format like the IPL — where a single delivery can change the fate of a game, or even an entire season — accuracy isn’t just important, it’s essential.
As the 2025 edition continues, all eyes will be on how this AI innovation performs under pressure. But one thing is certain — cricket has taken a bold step into the future, and there’s no looking back.
