File photo: The proposed use of 'limited DRS' in the knockouts of the ongoing Ranji Trophy has been deferred by one round and will happen during the semifinals and final. © BCCI

The proposed use of 'limited DRS' in the knockouts of the ongoing Ranji Trophy has been deferred by one round and will happen during the semifinals and final. Saba Karim, BCCI General Manager (Operations) told TOI on Monday, "Only two matches will be televised in the quarterfinals and there won't be uniformity. Hence, the limited DRS will be applicable for the semifinals and final."

In June last year, the then Committee of Administrators (CoA) had approved the use of limited DRS after questions were raised on the quality of umpiring in the 2018-19 season. As per the original schedule, all the four quarterfinals were to be either live on Star Sports or Hotstar. In an email to host associations, the BCCI on Saturday had stated: "Request (the associations) to host matches where telecast facilities are available as one live and three matches will be digitally covered."

But with Jammu and Kashmir hosting Karnataka at the Govt. Gandhi Memorial Science College ground in Jammu, the match will not be available live or on digital platforms. Karim confirmed that Bengal's away match against Odisha in Cuttack and Gujarat's home contest against Goa at Valsad, will be live. Which means, Andhra verusus Saurashtra match in Ongole and the Jammu knockout game will not be televised.

Television coverage for matches in Jammu and Ongole is a tough ask given the logistics. Case in point, with no direct flight to Jammu from Bengaluru and the last-eight line-up firmed up only on Saturday, Karnataka were left to scramble for air tickets. As a result, the team will travel in four batches on Tuesday via Mumbai and Delhi. This is would also mean escalated travel and baggage costs. In this background and limited internet access in the valley, television coverage wasn't feasible.