HotSpot absent but India still proceed with DRS trial-run for Test series against England

It takes up to 6 months to manufacture, test and deliver the Hotspot cameras.

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New Delhi: After a long of war between BCCI and DRS, the Indian cricket board have finally decided to proceed with the technology for upcoming 5-match Test series against England.
The decision Review System will be active on Indian soils but will be missing a key aspect – the Hotspot technology – during the Novemeber - December series.

There were initially doubts on whether BCCI will be able to use the DRS as it comes without the Hotspot feature, but International Cricket Council (ICC) rules state that DRS must compulsorily have Hawkeye and the latest Ultra Edge components – crucial features to aid decisions like LBW, bat-pad and close-in catches. 
Hotspot, which provides the evidence in black & white tracing the faintest of impacts ball-bat or ball-pad, is not a compulsory feature unlike the ones mentioned above.

As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, the Indian cricket board contacted BBG Sports (makers of Hospot cameras) some time back but an on-time delivery was denied by the makers. “We were contacted by the BCCI about six weeks ago. When we order new cameras, it can sometimes take up to six months for them to be built, tested and delivered to us,” BBG's Warren Brennan said.

“I am extremely disappointed that we are unable to provide Hotspot for the India-England series. These are very high end, extremely sensitive military grade cameras. Our company also has to apply for special licenses from the Australian Government to ship these cameras around the world,”  added Brennan.

“Hotspot is particularly good on slow wickets which are prevalent in India where the ball is spinning a great deal. More spin creates more friction when the ball is hitting bat or pad and in turn, creates an even stronger heat signature on hotspot. We are very excited about potentially bringing our technology to India,” continued the BBG official.

Provided BCCI are convinced with the accuracy of the system and there aren't any controversial calls in the 5-match series, DRS might be extended for next year's India-Australia series.