UK-based safety and security operating company Restrata has secured the deal to build the bio-security bubble for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE this year. Restrata, which operates out of the United Kingdom and the UAE, pipped the Tata group to secure the deal. The company, which specialises in “covering last-mile safety, security and mobility operations”, had worked with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the London Games in 2014 and most recently was hired by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to build the bio-secure bubble for the series against the West Indies and Pakistan, when cricket returned after a five-month break.
Those tracking developments said: “What worked in favour of Restrata was that it was more cost-effective than the Tatas, had past expertise in handling global sports events, and has had a recent first-hand experience with cricket too”.
Restrata has 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.
“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 or any suspected outbreaks of Covid-19 across venues, team hotels, practice facilities etc,” say those in the know.
