ICC approves head-mounted cameras in fielders’ helmets
Do you love watching cricket but regret missing out on the live details while catching a game on screen? Well, we have good news for you. To make the viewers’ experience much more enriched and to give it a unique perspective, International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally approved the introduction of head-mounted camera to be installed in the short leg fielder’s helmet. As it turns out, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also validated the use of this brand-new technology as part of the ongoing India-England Test Series. Earlier, the idea of implementing cameras on helmets was first introduced in the Big Bash League, an Australian professional franchise T20 cricket league, established in 2011. It was then used by both wicket-keepers and batsmen. Here’s more about this tech initiative.
Who will flaunt this helmet having a head-mounted camera?
Ollie Pope, England’s close in-fielder, who has already undergone trial during practice matches will flaunt the helmet having head-mounted camera. This move has not only been approved by the ICC and ECB, but also the coach Brendon McCullum and the captain Ben Stokes of the England Test team. However, whether or not Indian short leg fielder will wear such a helmet, still remains unknown.
Sources cite that if this experiment goes as planned and offers viewers better TV experience, ICC will try this technology for other fielders as well. Interestingly, during last year’s The Hundred Tournament (a domestic tournament), the decision of having head-mounted camera on short fielder’s helmet was first implemented.
All about this helmet camera
A head-mounted helmet camera, also known as micro video camera is a small, cylindrical camera used for closed circuit television broadcast. This action-oriented camera is attached to a helmet allowing players during a competitive sport like cricket create a visual recording from their point of view. The benefit? Well, it keeps both their hands as well as the vision free. The first ever use of helmet camera dates back to the 1960s during a football practice. Since then, the technology has come a long way and now supports wireless transmission, high defining images, multiple mounts, waterproof enclosures, 3D technology and so much more.
Officials involved have stated that their goal is to further improvise on the technology, generate perfect images and make it universal. In fact, ICC has also given a go-ahead for helmet camera to be used in ODIs and T20s for both men and women. This cutting-edge technology can be tried out by both umpires and players. It appears that this is in sync with ICC’s operation regulations for broadcast technology, on and over the field.