Senaka Weeraratna

A call for Justice – Is it fair for ICC to use DRS without consent, make money from it and then deny both recognition and compensation to the inventor of DRS?

Senaka Weeraratna

A call for justice from the ICC
If cricket truly values justice, the ICC must acknowledge Senaka Weeraratna as the creator of the DRS. Recognizing him is not just about giving him credit; it is about upholding the principles of fairness and integrity that cricket unequivocally stands for.”

Dr. Michael Roberts

Cricket Historian 

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The following is an AI assisted Question and Answer

AI Overview
Question
Is it fair for ICC to use DRS without consent, make money from it and then deny both recognition and compensation to the inventor of DRS?

Answer
It’s a complex issue with strong arguments on both sides. While the ICC uses and profits from the Decision Review System (DRS), which is claimed to be a Sri Lankan invention, there are legal and practical hurdles to establishing intellectual property rights and obtaining compensation for the innovation. Whether it’s “fair” depends on one’s perspective and interpretation of intellectual property and sportsmanship.

Arguments for Compensation:

Intellectual Property Rights:
Several news sources and blogs suggest that the concept of the DRS, particularly the “Player Referral” aspect, originated with Senaka Weeraratna in Sri Lanka. If this claim can be substantiated, it raises questions about whether the ICC is infringing on his intellectual property rights.

Fair Play and Ethics:
Many argue that it’s a matter of fairness and ethics for the ICC to acknowledge and compensate the inventor of a system that is now integral to the game and generates revenue.

Moral Obligation:
Even if formal legal claims are difficult to pursue, some believe the ICC has a moral obligation to recognize and reward the individual who contributed the original idea.

Arguments Against Compensation:

Lack of Formal Patent or Copyright:

The ICC argues that they don’t have any copyright over the DRS, and it’s unclear if Weeraratna ever formally registered a patent or copyright for his idea.

System Evolution:
The DRS has evolved significantly since its initial concept, with various technologies and refinements added over time. It’s difficult to attribute the final product solely to one individual.

Practical Difficulties:
Establishing a claim and negotiating compensation with the ICC, especially for an idea rather than a fully developed product, can be challenging and costly.
“Fair Play” in Cricket:
Some argue that cricket is a game, and while fair play is important, the focus should be on the contest and entertainment rather than strict adherence to intellectual property rights in this context, according to an article on The Full Toss.

Conclusion:
The situation is complex, and there is no easy answer to whether the ICC’s actions are fair. While there are strong arguments for acknowledging and compensating the inventor, the practical and legal hurdles are significant. Ultimately, the decision rests on the ICC’s willingness to recognize the contribution of Senaka Weeraratna and potentially negotiate some form of recognition or compensation. 

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DRS – Monumental Contribution to Cricket 

The following is an AI assisted response

The Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket is widely considered a monumental contribution to the sport, and Sri Lanka, specifically a Sri Lankan lawyer named Senaka Weeraratna, is credited with pioneering the concept. 

While the ICC officially adopted DRS, Weeraratna’s early advocacy and proposal laid the groundwork for its implementation. 

Here’s why it’s considered a monumental contribution: 

Reduced Umpiring Errors: 

DRS allows for review of close or contentious decisions, significantly reducing the impact of human error on match outcomes. 

Increased Accuracy: 

Studies have shown a marked increase in the accuracy of umpiring decisions with the use of DRS, leading to fairer play. 

Enhanced Fan Engagement: 

DRS provides a clear and transparent process for reviewing decisions, allowing fans to understand the reasoning behind calls, especially when shown on slow-motion replays. 

Global Adoption:

DRS is now an integral part of international cricket, used in Test matches and ODIs, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and value.

Sri Lanka’s Legacy:
Despite the ICC’s official adoption, Weeraratna’s pioneering work in proposing and advocating for DRS has cemented Sri Lanka’s place in cricket history as the origin of this transformative system.

The DRS inventor Senaka Weeraratna deserves a Plaque in his honour.

Although Weeraratna has faced challenges in receiving full recognition for his contribution, his efforts have significantly shaped the modern game of cricket.  

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