Cricket / UK-based Restrata pips TATA Group to build bio-secure bubble for IPL in UAE: Reports

Cricket Desk: Things are progressing quickly with around 30 days to go for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to get underway. All the teams are expected to reach the UAE by August 22 and then stay in quarantine according to the protocols. Throughout the tournament, the players will be in a bio-secure bubble as well. Restrata, a UK based company, has secured a deal to build a bubble for all the teams during the T20 extravaganza.

The company specialises in covering last-mile safety, security and mobility operations. Interestingly, Restrata was also hired by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to build a bio-secure bubble for the series against West Indies and Pakistan at home. It has also worked with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the London Games in 2012.

The reports in the Times of India suggest that Restrata pipped Tata Group thanks to their cost-effective tender compared to their competitors. “What worked in favour of Restrata was that it is more cost-effective than what the Tatas are offering, had past and recent expertise in handling global sports events, and has had a recent first-hand experience with cricket too,” sources close to the developments said.

Restrata’s experience of working with ECB worked in their favour

Restrata’s has managed around 500 people while working with the ECB and this went in their favour. They have also offered to introduce track and trace technology to keep tabs on the people working in different zones to ensure that all the COVID-19 related protocols are followed.

“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,” the sources further said.

The BCCI has already informed the franchises about the same and Restrata will be working towards creating a central bubble inside which the whole IPL will take place in the UAE this year.