Lightning bail could not be gifted to Dhoni, say innovators
The Zing will not be used in IPL 7 as intended earlier by the BCCI
Mumbai: Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had expressed his desire to buy the "lightning bail" should India win the World Twenty20. He could not be gifted either, not because India lost the final against Sri Lanka on Sunday, but the ICC had planned for sets of stumps to be given to (victorious) players right after the game, according to Bronte Eckermann, the Director of Zing, the Australian-based company.
Speaking exclusively from Dhaka on Monday morning, he says, "no, in the end it wasn't necessary as the ICC had pre-organized for sets of stumps to be given to players right after the game while they were celebrating on the ground. Everyone was happy. It all worked out perfectly."
"The crowd loved The Zings. That's what we call our technology. The crowds here are fantastic, and it was great to see them being so enthusiastic about the product", he added.
"This was our first international tournament with the ICC and it was very satisfying seeing the technology working so well at this level. We had great feedback from umpires and players. We need to continue to educate cricket fans on how the system works to the laws of cricket though and how accurate it is. We have some ultra slow motion footage", he further added.
"When people understand the science behind the glitzy flashing, they have an increased appreciation of this technology. And on a general level, we just loved being here for this tournament. Brilliantly organised, a pleasure to be here in Bangladesh. We will take many happy memories back with us to Australia", he added.
Not in IPL:
Dhoni may have been impressed with the innovation but the same will not be used in the BCCI-organised IPL in 2014.
"We won't be using in this year's IPL but we hope to be there the following year and we hope we may do the World Cup Odis coming up", Bronte Eckermann added.
"Srar Sports have always been keen on using the system for the World Cup next year", another Zing official, David Lighterwood confirmed from Australia.
"It was incredible. Amazing how well the product has been received by all stakeholders, TV, players, commentators, TV viewers, crowds. It was a great experience delivering the system in Bangladesh", he signed off.