# Virtual Eye's Sonic Edge Detection Cleared for India-New Zealand DRS

> Virtual Eye's Sonic edge-detection technology wins ICC and BCCI validation and debuts in the Decision Review System for the India-New Zealand series.

- Published: 2026-10-22T04:26:39+00:00
- Section: Regulation & Approvals
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-22/virtual-eye-sonic-drs-india-tour
- Source: [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/virtual-eyes-sonic-technology-approved-for-india-tour/article71609986.ece)

## Key takeaways

- Virtual Eye's Sonic edge-detection technology will be used in the Decision Review System for the India-New Zealand series starting October 22, 2026.
- The approval followed testing, validation and independent assessment conducted with the ICC and supported by the BCCI.
- Virtual Eye has been accredited by the ICC for ball-tracking since 2008 and has won four Emmy Awards.

New Zealand Cricket, [Sky](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0004v3a/sky-uk) and [Virtual Eye](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/000v8yl/virtual-eye) confirmed that Sonic edge-detection technology will be used for the first time in the Decision Review System during the India-New Zealand series, which began in Christchurch on October 22, 2026. [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/virtual-eyes-sonic-technology-approved-for-india-tour/article71609986.ece) reported the approval, which followed testing, validation and independent assessment conducted with the ICC and supported by the BCCI.

## Virtual Eye Adds Sonic to Its DRS Suite

Sonic uses advanced audio-analysis technology to help third umpires review potential bat-ball contact. Virtual Eye, which has held ICC accreditation for ball-tracking since 2008, will now provide the full suite of DRS technology across the three-format tour.

NZC Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley said the approval reflected a thorough and collaborative process involving all stakeholders. "The integrity of decision-making is fundamental to the game, which is why such a comprehensive testing and assessment process has been undertaken," he said in a release. Ben Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Virtual Eye, said the milestone represented years of research, development and testing by the New Zealand company. Gary Burchett, Sky's Head of Sport Content, said the approval was an exciting development ahead of a landmark summer of international cricket.

Sky's involvement follows its October 21, 2026 announcement with New Zealand Cricket that three home T20 internationals will be broadcast free-to-air, with the first six overs of each match streamed live on TikTok, as reported by EIN Presswire. The approval applies to the upcoming India series in New Zealand, with any future use subject to the ICC's ongoing accreditation and approval processes.

## Virtual Eye's Cricket and Baseball Work

According to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), Virtual Eye is the sports division of Animation Research Ltd, a Dunedin-based company founded by Sir Ian Taylor, and its 3D graphics have been viewed by hundreds of millions of viewers over the last three decades. The same records show Virtual Eye formalised a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with New Zealand Cricket in October 2025 to co-develop advanced sports graphics, biomechanics tools and data systems, expanding into cricket. In May 2026, Major League Baseball partnered with Bolt6 and Virtual Eye to enhance the UmpCam wearable camera technology attached to the home-plate umpire's mask. Virtual Eye has won four Emmy Awards for its sports broadcasting technology.

## India Tour Schedule

India will play five T20 internationals against New Zealand, followed by five ODIs from November 4 to 15, 2026. The tour will conclude with two Tests from November 19 to December 1, 2026.

## Companies in this story

- [Virtual Eye company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/000v8yl/virtual-eye) · website: http://virtualeye.tv
- [Sky UK company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0004v3a/sky-uk) · website: https://www.sky.com

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