6 Cricket Technologies Changing the Game (Hawk-Eye’s Secrets Exposed!)

Cricket has evolved far beyond leather balls and wooden bats. With the rise of precision-based decision-making, high-speed data capture, and real-time analytics, technology is now at the heart of every international match. Whether it’s determining the trajectory of a ball or measuring the speed of a throw, cutting-edge tools have made the sport faster, fairer, and smarter.

Among these innovations, Hawk-Eye has become a symbol of technological accuracy—but how exactly does it work? And what other game-changing systems are transforming cricket in 2024 and beyond?

Here are 6 groundbreaking cricket technologies redefining how the game is played, watched, and judged—including the secrets behind Hawk-Eye.

1. Hawk-Eye Ball Tracking – Precision Redefined:

Hawk-Eye uses multiple high-speed cameras placed around the stadium to track the cricket ball’s 3D path with incredible accuracy. It calculates the ball’s bounce, swing, and predicted trajectory even if it hits the pads, making it vital in LBW decisions and DRS reviews.

2. UltraEdge / Snickometer – The Sound of Contact

UltraEdge detects the sound made when the ball touches the bat or pad using highly sensitive microphones embedded in the stumps and pitch area. It replaced the older Snickometer with more accurate waveforms, helping third umpires judge close-edge reviews.

3. Real-Time Player & Ball Tracking (Spidercam & GPS Sensors)

Modern cricket uses GPS chips and motion sensors in player kits and balls for real-time tracking. Combined with Spidercam footage, broadcasters now provide live data. It enhances performance analysis for coaching and adds excitement for fans with on-screen graphics.

4. Decision Review System (DRS)

DRS combines Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge, and thermal imaging (Hot Spot) to give players the chance to challenge umpire decisions. First introduced in 2008, it has become an integral part of high-level cricket.

5. Hot Spot Thermal Imaging Under Pressure

Hot Spot uses infrared cameras to detect heat generated by friction between the ball and bat/pad. If there’s a faint edge, even with no sound, Hot Spot picks it up via a white spot on the bat.

Though less popular than UltraEdge due to cost and conditions, it remains a backup for detection during DRS reviews, especially in night matches.

6. AI-Powered Analytics & Smart Wearables:

Teams now rely on AI-based platforms to analyze player fatigue, shot selection, injury risk, and bowling variations. Wearable tech, like smart vests and biofeedback monitors, track real-time data to optimize performance and training.

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Tim Winton
Four-time Miles Franklin winner Tim Winton merges ocean conservation with surf sports activism. As founder of Surfers for Climate, he partners with Surfing Australia to promote reef-safe competitions. His book Blueback: The Physics of Waves analyzes Margaret River’s big-wave biomechanics, used by ISA coaches globally. Tim’s "Coastal Athlete" program trains surf-lifesavers using Indigenous wave-reading techniques. A passionate Fremantle Dockers AFL historian, he wrote The Derby: Derby about WA football’s tribal roots. Hosts The Salt Line podcast interviewing Steph Gilmore on tidal science. Board member: Australian Marine Conservation Society & WA Cricket Association.