Restrata, a UK-based safety and security operating company has secured the deal from the BCCI for building a bio-security bubble for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) in UAE this year. The tournament begins from September 19 with all franchises and players expected to reach their bases in the next one week.
The company, which specializes in "covering last-mile safety, security and mobility operations", had worked with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the London Games in 2012 and most recently was hired by the ECB) to build the bio-secure bubble for the series against the West Indies and Pakistan, when cricket returned after a five-month break.
Restrata, which operates out of the United Kingdom and the UAE, pipped the Tata group to secure the deal.
"What worked in favor of Restrata was that it is more cost-effective than what the Tata’s are offering, had past and recent expertise in handling global sports events, and has had a recent first-hand experience with cricket too", sources said.
The BCCI has notified all franchises about the same and Restrata will work towards a central bubble inside which the IPL ecosystem will function in the UAE.
As per reports from Times of India, the Tata group’s bid was double of what Restrata quoted and had submitted a detailed presentation to the BCCI. A leading IPL franchise owner had referred the Tatas to the BCCI, underlining the work they have done in this space so far.
"But it doesn't work that way. References are okay, but you've got to understand that this is a sporting event and past experiences are going to matter. In Restrata's case, the company had first-hand experience in managing around 500 people who would be present at Southampton's Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford including players, coaches, production media, stadium staff, match-officials, and no spectators, of course," those tracking developments said.
Restrata, in its presentation to BCCI, offered to introduce track and trace technology to keep tabs on the number of people who will be working in specified zones to ensure all COVID-related health compliances and the mandatory social distancing.
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"A ring in the finger or a bracelet or a chip in the accreditation card will carry a GPS device to provide the IPL authorities and franchises an accurate, real-time capability to track and trace individuals at all times or any suspected outbreaks of Covid-19 across venues, team hotels, practice facilities, etc.," say those in the know.
Similar tracking technique helped the ECB stay abreast with the movement of its players, specifically Jofra Archer who had breached the bio-secure bubble ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, who visited his family.
Restrata will be responsible for drawing out a blueprint of what the bubble will entail.
A franchise will be likely to stay within the boundaries and marked floors/areas of what is pre-defined; the exit and entry point to a hotel or the stadium will be tunneled to allow particulars of any movement; from matters related to civics and hygiene to regular testing; protocols to be laid down in hotels and stadiums; policies for family members and friends traveling with cricketers - every single detail will be underlined.
"The onus is on every single stakeholder to share the responsibility in pulling this off. It'll be a feather in the cap of Indian sporting achievements," say those working with the BCCI.
(TOI inputs)
