PSL 6: PCB to use scientific methods to avoid ‘bubble trouble’

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering to acquire the services of a UK-based safety and technology firm, Restrata, to create a bio-secure bubble for the remaining matches of PSL 6, which are likely to take place in the month of June.

Due to shortage of time and specialised firms, PCB will hire the aforementioned company without issuing a tender. Restrata has prior experience of successfully creating a bio-bubble in tournaments like Indian Premier League, T10 League and during the English cricket summer last year.

PSL franchises are already concerned due to incurring losses every season. PCB is yet to decide, who will bear the expenses of hiring Restrata. Travel expenses of foreign players will also need to be taken into account after the new mini-draft takes place prior to the resumption of the league. Franchises want PCB to equally bear any increased expenses this season.

The schedule of the remaining matches is likely to be finalised in a week’s time.

PCB is hoping for no mishaps this time around with regards to bio-secure bubble. In a bid to make this happen, the board is looking to book 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.

Different zones will be created within the hotel for franchise team members, match officials, ground staff and hotel staff. Everyone will be allowed to remain in their specified zone. Moving out of their specified zones will be considered a violation of the protocols.

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

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 cases. A similar technology will be installed in the hotel, inorder to gather data regarding everyone’s movement. Hence, it will help in identifying all possible contact points of an individual incase he contracts Covid-19.

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PCB is expected to take strict action against those who breach the aforementioned protocols. However, according to sources, it is not hard to find loopholes in this system. Players can leave the chip-enabled GPS device in their hotel room and leave. Hence, it is also the responsibility of players to adhere to these protocols, inorder to avoid any untoward incident.