Pepsi to sponsor DRS for Pakistan series

The PCB has announced that the DRS will be used for Pakistan's series against Sri Lanka that starts later this month and for their one-day series against England early next year, and that Pepsi will be sponsoring the system, making them the first board to have a sponsor associated with the review system. The version of the DRS Pakistan will be using includes ball-tracking technology provided by Hawk-Eye.

"PCB is pleased to be taking a leading role in the use of ICC-recommended technologies for international cricket," Subhan Ahmad, the PCB's chief operating officer, said in a statement. "We hope that other partner boards will follow the example of the PCB and use the umpire [decision] review system in their respective future series. The use of the UDRS will bring added value to our forthcoming series. We thank our sponsors Pepsi for once again supporting Pakistan cricket and the PCB in its many endeavours."

Pakistan's decision to implement the DRS came on the same day the ICC ended the mandatory use of the system and reverted to its pre-June position, by which its use will be subject to bilateral agreements between the participating boards. However, the ICC said it will continue to use support the use of technology and welcomed the PCB's decision.

"We believe that using the Decision Review System will result in getting more umpire decisions correct and we accordingly welcome the PCB's initiatives and that of its sponsors in securing its use in the upcoming series," Dave Richardson, the ICC's general manager - cricket, said. "The PCB has always led the way in supporting innovation. Its trials of a "pink/orange ball" in day/night conditions during its premier first-class matches is another example. These initiatives are much appreciated."