Cricket Broadcast Technology: Hawk-Eye, Spidercam, UltraEdge and More
Modern cricket broadcasting uses extraordinary technology — from ball-tracking algorithms to pitch maps and wagon wheels. Here's every piece of broadcast tech used in international cricket and how it works.
International cricket broadcasts now include more technology than Formula 1 or the Olympics. Six to twenty cameras, ball-tracking systems, edge-detection audio analysis, and stump microphones turn cricket into one of the world's most data-rich sports to watch. Much of this technology also feeds directly into the Decision Review System (DRS).
Hawk-Eye Ball Tracking
Hawk-Eye uses six or more calibrated cameras to track the ball's trajectory from the moment of release through pitch, bounce, and to the bat or pad. Its primary broadcast use is the 3D trajectory replay — showing exactly where a ball pitched, what line it was on, and where it would have hit the stumps. In DRS, Hawk-Eye provides the ball-tracker that umpires rely on for LBW predictions.
UltraEdge (Snickometer / Real-Time Snicko)
UltraEdge (commercially; Snicko in legacy form) uses a high-sensitivity microphone embedded in the stumps or near the pitch to detect sound spikes at the moment the ball passes the bat edge. In DRS, it identifies whether bat contacted ball before reaching the wicketkeeper. In broadcast, UltraEdge provides the distinctive audio 'spike' graphic that viewers see alongside replay footage.
Spidercam
Spidercam is a camera suspended on cables across the ground, able to fly from behind the bowler's run-up to behind the batsman or over the pitch. It provides the dramatic 'fly-over' shots seen during replays and strategic presentations. Spidercam cables must be positioned carefully not to interfere with high catches or fielding near the boundary.
Pitch Map and Wagon Wheel
Pitch map visualises exactly where deliveries pitched during an over or spell — clustered dots on a pitch graphic showing a bowler's accuracy or variation. Wagon wheel shows where a batsman has scored their runs across the field, displayed as coloured lines radiating from the centre of the ground. Both are data-driven broadcasts tools that help viewers understand tactical patterns.
Stump Microphones and Player Access
Stump microphones (embedded in or near the stumps) pick up bat-on-ball sounds, fielder chatter, and occasional sledging. They add texture and authenticity to broadcasts but must be carefully managed — broadcasters have protocols to cut audio during confrontations or if offensive language is audible. IPL and T20 leagues have expanded player-access formats, including midover on-field mic interviews with commentary teams.