British technology firm Restrata has announced that it is providing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a biosecure environment for the recently relocated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which is taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until 8 November. The biosecure environment aims to keep IPL players and staff safe during the competition period, and to reduce and manage the risk posed by Covid-19.
IPL is utilising the Restrata Platform, coupled with Bluetooth tags and locators for conducting a robust track and trace scheme, managing access and capacity, social distancing and contact tracing. The services provided mean that data can be gathered and shared in real time, allowing communication between players and staff.
Led by Restrata’s technology, the biosecure environment has been extended across multiple locations throughout the UAE, including: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium; Dubai Cricket Stadium; Sharjah Cricket Stadium; ICC practice facilities in Dubai; and 12 hotels across the country.
Each franchise IPL team is located in a different biosecure environment, as are match officials, operations staff, broadcast journalists, hotel staff and security personnel. The BCCI has stated that breaches of the biosecure environment protocols by individuals will be sanctioned under the IPL Code of Conduct rules.
Restrata’s Covid safe platform was deployed successfully to deliver the first biosecure test series between England and West Indies, held behind closed doors in July, and then repeated during other England fixtures, including the series against Pakistan, Ireland and Australia, and the Twenty 20 fans trial at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground between Surrey and Hampshire in the UK. Chris St George, chairman of Restrata, said: “I commend the leadership of BCCI, IPL and IMG for adapting to the risk and integrating this biosecurity system efficiently, without which this year’s IPL season would not be taking place. We at Restrata are passionate about helping sport recover from this pandemic – and, in doing so, helping this sector regain its confidence.”
Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket said: “Given the unique circumstances surrounding this year’s tournament, we have been working in close partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and National Emergency Crisis & Disaster Management Authority to ensure the implementation of robust protocols and safety of all individuals involved in the tournament. By providing the technology which has created a biosecure environment for players, staff and officials at Abu Dhabi Cricket, as well as at official hotels in Abu Dhabi for two of the teams, Restrata has played an essential role in delivering this year’s IPL. We are thrilled to be working together.”
