The Indian Premier League is the most prestigious and expensive T20 league in the world. From prize money to player salaries, everything is on a larger scale, even the stumps.
Unlike the regular wooden stumps, the ones used in the IPL come with LED lights and smart sensors that help umpires take quick and accurate decisions. Each set costs around ₹33 to ₹35 lakhs, which makes them one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in cricket.
This article takes a closer look at their features, the technology used, and what makes them special in the field.
What Type of Stumps Are Used In The IPL?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) uses LED stumps, a modern innovation in cricket that enhances both gameplay and viewer experience. These stumps flash instantly whenever they are disturbed or when a bail is dislodged from its slot.
Each bail is equipped with a microprocessor that detects separation from the stumps, triggering the LED lights within one-thousandth of a second. This advanced technology helps umpires make accurate decisions in close run-out and stumping calls, reducing human errors.
Additionally, the illuminated stumps add a visual spectacle to the game, making it more engaging for both stadium audiences and TV viewers.
The Cost Of IPL Stumps
The stumps used in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are not just ordinary wooden poles but high-tech equipment embedded with LED lights and smart sensors.
Due to their advanced technology, these stumps come at a hefty price, ranging between ₹33 and 35 lakhs per set. The cost is justified by their precision, durability, and real-time response system, which enhances decision-making for umpires.
This makes IPL stumps one of the most expensive match accessories in the world of cricket.
Why Are LED Wickets So Expensive?
There are several factors that contribute to the price of stumps used in the IPL. Here is the list:
- These stumps come with advanced sensor technology. The microprocessors in the stumps can detect even the slightest dislodgement of the bails to ensure precise decision-making.
- They are made of durable composite materials that can take on the impact of fast deliveries.
- They are integrated with technologies like UltraEdge and Hawk-Eye for the Decision Review System (DRS).
- The complex manufacturing process, regular maintenance, and replacements also add to the IPL stump price.
IPL Stumps – Invention And Technology
Bronte EcKermann, a former Australian grade cricketer and engineer, invented the LED stumps used in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012. Along with his business partner, David Leggitwood, he founded Zing International, the company that developed these advanced stumps.
EcKermann got the idea for LED bails after being inspired by his daughter’s toy, which resembled a cricket bail and contained LED lights. Unlike traditional wooden stumps and bails, LED stumps are made from composite plastic and are embedded with LED lights, a stump camera, and a microphone.
The Zing bails, powered by hidden low-voltage batteries, contain microprocessors that detect when the bails are dislodged. Within 1/1000th of a second, they light up and send a radio signal to the stumps, triggering their illumination. This high-end technology makes LED stumps one of the most expensive accessories in modern cricket.
When Was An LED Stump First Used In IPL?
LED stumps and bails made their debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2016. They were first introduced in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and later adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Since then, they have become an integral part of major cricket tournaments worldwide.
In the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not purchase individual LED stumps outright. Instead, it leases a complete wicket set—including bails, stumps, and the electronic base—from a contracted company for the entire season.
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Conclusion: IPL LED Stumps Cost Around ₹33 to ₹35 Lakhs!
The stumps used in the IPL are a mix of technology and innovation that improve the accuracy of umpiring and also add excitement for the viewers.
Their high price, which falls between ₹33 and ₹35 lakhs per set, comes from the advanced features they carry. These include LED lights, tiny processors, built-in cameras, and radio signals that help make decisions in close run outs and stumpings. They also create a bright visual effect that makes the game more thrilling to watch.
Even though they are expensive, LED stumps have changed the way cricket looks and feels. They have become a symbol of how modern technology can make the sport faster, fairer, and more entertaining.
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