'We have no control over Hawk-Eye' - Broadcaster SuperSport reacts to accusations made by Indian players

Host broadcaster SuperSport has reacted to the accusations made by some Indian players during the recently-concluded third Test against South Africa. Controversy took center stage on Day 3 of the contest when a DRS saved Dean Elgar from getting dismissed. The South African captain was adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire Marais Erasmus. It was a full-length delivery from off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin which smashed his pads and the umpire was happy to raise his finger.

Challenging the decision, Elgar opted for a DRS call which eventually overturned the decision. The Hawk-Eye, a ball-tracking technology, showed the ball would have gone over the stumps. Hence, Elgar’s stay at the crease extended. Indian players were left bewildered with the decision as they vented their anger near the stump microphone.

Indian team accused SuperSport for favouring South Africa

“Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball eh, not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time,” said a frustrated Virat Kohli while coming near the stumps. Indian vice-captain KL Rahul then was heard the next second: “The whole country against us 11.” It was Ashwin who even went onto the name of the broadcaster.

“You have got to find better ways to win SuperSport,” the 35-year-old was heard saying. Reacting to the entire saga, Host broadcaster SuperSport on Friday (January 14) said it had no control over the Decision Review System (DRS) used in the Test series.

“SuperSport notes comments made by certain members of the Indian cricket team. Hawk-Eye is an independent service provider, approved by the ICC and their technology has been accepted for many years as an integral part of DRS,” the broadcaster said in a statement issued to AFP.

“SuperSport does not have any control over the Hawk-Eye technology,” the statement read further. Meanwhile, South Africa walked away with a seven-wicket triumph in the high-voltage Cape Town Test. Needing 212 for victory, the home team crossed the line with seven wickets in hand.

As the three-match series was poised at 1-1 before this clash, Dean Elgar’s men also walked away with a series triumph, earning praises from different quarters.