Mohali: Indian cricketers and spectators here are upset that the Umpires Decision Review System (UDRS) has not been implemented during the ongoing India-Australia series.

They feel that since the series is always very tight, any error in the umpiring decision could destroy their chances.

Though the Indian players are not supposed to comment on umpiring decisions, a few senior players have hinted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should have implemented it for the series.

Incidentally, the UDRS has not been introduced here because neither the BCCI nor the International Cricket Council (ICC) is willing to pay for the technology needed for it and expect the broadcasters to foot the bill. Broadcasters, however, claim they have already paid through the nose to obtain television rights for the games.

UDRS is a new technology-based system, with the sole purpose of reviewing controversial decisions made by on-field umpires in cases of dismissal. This review system was launched by ICC on November 24, 2009 during the first Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Dunedin.

BCCI’s decision not to foot the bill can only mar the excitement of the keenly fought series. The wicket of Gautam Gambhir, who was given out leg before by umpire Billy Bowden to the fourth ball of India’s second inning, is being talked about as the biggest howler of the match. Australia’s Michael Clarke scooped an easy catch to a close in fieldsman in this match off Ishant Sharma, but while the Indian players celebrated the wicket, the umpire declared him not out. Clarke, who walked away quickly, returned to the crease.

After the match, Virender Sehwag hinted that UDRS was needed, but he put it tactfully. “It happens in cricket. Sometimes the umpire gives you a good decision and sometimes a bad decision. But yes, I would love to have that referral system in Test cricket, or even in one-day cricket."

Incidentally, the UDRS will not be implemented in the 2011 World Cup, quite simply because nobody can decide who will bear the cost. But, this decision may lead to more controversy.

Rahul Dravid, a strong supporter of UDRS said: “We must introduce UDRS as long as we can be sure that it’s available for every Test match, every condition all over the world, and it’s uniform.”