Do you claim yourself to be a hard-core cricket fan and know everything about the cricket and its different formats?
Do you also know the technology and the expenditure involved in the Indian Premier League game?
Probably the most striking example is the LED stumps and bails that have been in use in the IPL since their introduction in the 2016 edition.
Here in this article, we will thoroughly discuss about IPL stump price and other key information.
Keep reading, keep learning!
What are LED Stumps?
The LED stumps are enabled with microprocessors fitted at each bail which identifies the dislodging of the bails from the stumps. When the bails are dislodged, the stumps along with the bails bright up in a part of a second, and hence its visual appeal gets appealing for the umpires and audience.
This technology has made an immense change in close runout and stumping decisions. It has added extra drama to the game, with fans now waiting to see flashing stumps whenever there is a fall of a wicket.
What is the IPL Stump Price?
In fact, the price of the set of LED bails and stumps used in the IPL is nothing short of amazing. A set of three stumps and bails together would cost anything between ₹8 lakh to ₹30 lakh in 2024.
To begin with, one stump costs almost four to five devices of iPhone 15 Max, if placed in proportion. The price depends on the company, the design, technology, and the advanced sensor systems used up in the stumps.
Why are IPL Stumps so Expensive?
Expensive Price of IPL Stumps: Why?
Here are a number of contributory factors as to why the IPL stumps bear such an expensive price tag:
- Durability: These stumps are made out of the best quality wood and can endure the impact of hard deliveries of fast bowlers.
- LED Technology: Having installed LEDs that glow when the stumps are dislodged gives an aesthetic experience to dismissals and thereby aids umpires in making the right calls.
- Sensor Technology: With the application of sensors to some of the modern stumps that can recognize the slightest vibration, it becomes easier for the umpires in giving final decisions for tight cases.
- Personal Quality Checks: Each and every pair of wickets is released onto the ground after tremendous checks and quality tests in order to ensure the least possibility of any errors at play.
- Export-quality Stumps: As many of the stumps manufactured are export-quality, this could be one reason for their high prices.
Costly Stumps Leasing: Approach by BCCI
Normally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not buy individual stumps for the IPL. It inks deals with certain companies to rent one complete wicket set along with bails and electronic base for the entire season.
In 2022, BCCI contracted Zing International PVT Ltd for ₹2.184 crore. In a season with a total of 74 matches, the stumps used would roughly cost ₹2.95 lakh approximately for a match.
Future of Technology in Cricket
IPL celebrates cricketing talent, strategic brilliance, and a passion for fans. Top-class stumps with correct, functional LED technology ensure a definite fair game for both batsmen and bowlers. Good equipment reduces debates on accurate dismissals and close calls.
The instances of sensor-equipped stumps and further innovations in this technology are bound to happen and further fine-tune this decision-making process. Or one can say the entire view experience.
Cost-effective alternatives to LED stumps
Are there any other more cost-effective alternatives to LED stumps?
There are a few other cost-effective alternatives to LED stumps while ensuring excellent performance. Some options that one would consider include:
1. Traditional Wooden Stumps:
Traditional wooden stumps happen to be the most basic form of wicket used in cricket. They are far cheaper than LED stumps and can be made with durable wood types like pine or ash.
2. Basic Electronic Stumps:
The stumps can be fitted with simple electrical components, such as light bulbs or basic sensors, which will light up when a bail is dislodged. These systems can be designed using inexpensive materials and simpler circuitry.
3. Mechanical Indicators:
The mechanical stumps could provide a system of levers or springs that could trigger some sort of visual indicator, such as a flag or light when the bails are dislodged. This would remove the need of any electronic components altogether.
4. Hybrid Systems:
A hybrid system could use conventional wooden stumps with some very basic electronic components. An example would be placing simple LED lights inside the stumps to offer visual feedback but without full LED technology complexity.
5. DIY LED Stump Circuits:
Due to the nature of electronics, as little engineering effort will be needed, the DIY LED stump circuits can be made from most common electronic components. DIY circuits can use designs using the ICs, such as the NE555 timer. One can easily make a working LED stump at a fraction of the cost when compared to commercial products available in the market.
Conclusion
While the LED IPL stump price used in the IPL is outrageous, it underlines how much the league cares for the experience of the players, umpires, and fans alike. Investment in cutting-edge technology generates excitement around the game, with assurance of fairness and accuracy in decision-making.
The stumps represent a lot more than three sticks and two bails as the IPL continues to innovate with each passing season. The stumps are a sign of exactly how seriously this league takes excellence and perfection in each detail of the minute parts of the game.
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