MELBOURNE: Australian great Greg Chappell believes technology, particularly artificial intelligence, will make cricket “smoother” and “unpredictable”, changing the way it is practiced, played and consumed in the future.
The former Australian captain feels drones, robots, AI, virtual reality – all of these will become mainstream and bring huge changes to the game.
“The widespread adoption of various technologies will make cricket less stuffy, more unpredictable,” he wrote in a column for the “Sydney Morning Herald.”
“Technology has already had a huge impact on gaming, with the introduction of Hawk Eye, Hotspot and Snicko help improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions. 4K and 5K cameras will make refereeing even more precise.”
“T20 cricket has accelerated the use of technology and in-depth player analysis, both pros and cons, is already happening in the IPL. Test cricket will adopt these practices and become smoother and more exciting .”
The 74-year-old feels change is needed to stay relevant as “drones and robots will be commonplace”.
“The drones will monitor the field of play to provide real-time analysis. The robots will be widely used, not only in practice sessions, but to replicate the skills and variations of opposing batters and bowlers.
“Virtual reality will also be used to enhance the game. This technology will allow players to practice in a virtual environment, honing their skills without having to be on the pitch.
“It will help players become better, reduce injuries and develop new strategies and tactics.”
Speaking of the use of artificial intelligence, Chappell wrote: “The use of artificial intelligence will be a game changer. AI will analyze player performance and provide immediate feedback.
“The AI will also create accurate simulations of match conditions providing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each player and team.”
The former India coach also believes virtual reality will change the way fans engage with the sport.
“Cricket spectators of the future will be able to use augmented and virtual reality technology to compare themselves to their heroes.
“For example, they will want to compare their batting speed with that of the Virat Kohli of the 2040s or their bowling skills with that of the Dennis Lillee of the time. No more arguing about the merits and greatness of a Trumper, Warne or Tendulkar!”
The former batter believes that “the equipment used in cricket will also evolve”.
“Technology will transform the quality of bats and balls. Bats will become lighter and stronger, while balls will be more aerodynamic, allowing them to move faster and swing more without the need for illegal substances.
“3D printing will create custom bats and balls for players, allowing them to customize gear that is uniquely their own. Dennis Lillee’s aluminum ComBat bat was before its time! Traditional gear makers could follow suit of the unicorn.”
Chappell believes “technology in stadiums will enhance the fan experience with each seat able to choose camera angles and track individual player movements.”
“The use of artificial turf will be commonplace in the next 20 years as it has a number of advantages over natural turf, such as being more durable and requiring less maintenance.
“It will allow cricket to be played in more places and at different times of the year.”
The former Australian captain feels drones, robots, AI, virtual reality – all of these will become mainstream and bring huge changes to the game.
“The widespread adoption of various technologies will make cricket less stuffy, more unpredictable,” he wrote in a column for the “Sydney Morning Herald.”
“Technology has already had a huge impact on gaming, with the introduction of Hawk Eye, Hotspot and Snicko help improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions. 4K and 5K cameras will make refereeing even more precise.”
“T20 cricket has accelerated the use of technology and in-depth player analysis, both pros and cons, is already happening in the IPL. Test cricket will adopt these practices and become smoother and more exciting .”
The 74-year-old feels change is needed to stay relevant as “drones and robots will be commonplace”.
“The drones will monitor the field of play to provide real-time analysis. The robots will be widely used, not only in practice sessions, but to replicate the skills and variations of opposing batters and bowlers.
“Virtual reality will also be used to enhance the game. This technology will allow players to practice in a virtual environment, honing their skills without having to be on the pitch.
“It will help players become better, reduce injuries and develop new strategies and tactics.”
Speaking of the use of artificial intelligence, Chappell wrote: “The use of artificial intelligence will be a game changer. AI will analyze player performance and provide immediate feedback.
“The AI will also create accurate simulations of match conditions providing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each player and team.”
The former India coach also believes virtual reality will change the way fans engage with the sport.
“Cricket spectators of the future will be able to use augmented and virtual reality technology to compare themselves to their heroes.
“For example, they will want to compare their batting speed with that of the Virat Kohli of the 2040s or their bowling skills with that of the Dennis Lillee of the time. No more arguing about the merits and greatness of a Trumper, Warne or Tendulkar!”
The former batter believes that “the equipment used in cricket will also evolve”.
“Technology will transform the quality of bats and balls. Bats will become lighter and stronger, while balls will be more aerodynamic, allowing them to move faster and swing more without the need for illegal substances.
“3D printing will create custom bats and balls for players, allowing them to customize gear that is uniquely their own. Dennis Lillee’s aluminum ComBat bat was before its time! Traditional gear makers could follow suit of the unicorn.”
Chappell believes “technology in stadiums will enhance the fan experience with each seat able to choose camera angles and track individual player movements.”
“The use of artificial turf will be commonplace in the next 20 years as it has a number of advantages over natural turf, such as being more durable and requiring less maintenance.
“It will allow cricket to be played in more places and at different times of the year.”
