PCB To Hire UK-Based Safety And Technology Firm To Create Bio-Bubble When PSL 2021 Resumes

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to hire a UK-based safety and technology firm, Restrata, which will organize the bio-bubble for the remaining part of the 6th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which was postponed earlier this month after more than half-a-dozen covid cases were found.

The tournament came to a halt after 14 matches with more than half of the season left. The board is planning to conduct the remaining games in the month of June.

To avoid any more fiascos in the June leg of the tournament, the PCB has decided to hire Restrata, according to a report in ‘Cricket Pakistan’.

Restrata is a world-renowned company that has previous experience of successfully conducting cricket matches in the bio-secure environment. When cricket resumed in the pandemic era, Restrata organized the Test series between England and West Indies followed by a successful season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the UAE and the T10 League along with other domestic games in England.

Restrata uses technology where all members of the franchises will be given a numbered chip-enabled GPS device to allow the authorities to keep track of all individuals. They will be only allowed to leave it behind during matches and training.

During the England and West Indies series last year, Restrata had installed Bluetooth technology in stadiums to accurately track and trace any suspected Covid-19 case. Similar technology will be installed in the hotel in a bid to gather data regarding the movement of the players and officials.

PCB facing expenses issues for hiring Restrata

With the season half-finished, the PSL franchises are already concerned owing to their losses and now the PCB is facing more money problems of hiring Restrata along with the travel expenses of foreign players. Franchises want PCB to equally bear any increased expenses this season.

will also need to be taken into account after the new mini-draft takes place prior to the resumption of the league.

To avoid further hiccups, the PCB is pondering on booking an entire hotel for the teams. Kitchen and house-keeping staff will have to remain in the hotel for the entire duration of the tournament and will not be allowed to leave the premises. Match officials, ground staff, and commentators will also be part of the bio-secure bubble.

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