Artificial intelligence technology could soon transform cricket, with trials already underway involving cricket balls fitted with microchips designed to collect advanced performance data.
According to a British media report, three English counties, Kent County Cricket Club, Lancashire County Cricket Club and Glamorgan County Cricket Club, have started using the technology, which could potentially revolutionize not only player training but also talent identification and selection.
The system uses a special cricket ball containing a chip measuring 28mm by 8mm. The chip is thinner but around 20 percent heavier than a standard cricket ball and is capable of instantly storing and processing ball-by-ball data.
The technology records detailed information including bat speed, ball speed, delivery movement, launch angle and shot trajectory. It also uses artificial intelligence to create virtual field placements and realistic match simulations during net practice sessions.
As a result, batters can immediately see the predicted outcome of every shot, effectively turning traditional practice sessions into AI-powered match simulations.
“We have brought a world-first product to market that autonomously tracks both bowling and batting in net training, playing out every delivery as a full game simulation with AI fields in real time,” said Michael Merrick, founder and chief executive of Arc Simulations.
Merrick and chief technology officer Henry Smith believe the innovation could represent cricket’s “Moneyball moment,” helping the sport adopt advanced simulation systems that are already widely used in other sports.
The report also claimed the technology is already helping players improve six-hitting ability in T20 cricket by identifying the ideal launch angle for clearing boundaries.
Experts believe the technology could become a major turning point for cricket by significantly increasing the use of data analysis in the sport. However, they emphasized that it is not intended to replace human skill or instinct, but instead support player development and performance improvement.
Developers also believe the system could eventually be introduced during live matches to provide viewers with more detailed insights and advanced analytics.
Future plans include “full-ball orientation mapping,” which would allow analysts to study seam angle and revolutions per minute in greater detail.
