When India and Pakistan, the titans of Asian cricket, produced a thrilling match at the 2022 World T20, it was a welcome coming together for two sides that have not played each other too many times in recent years. Security concerns will always exist in every era but both sets of fans mixed on the way to the match in Melbourne, selling shirts side by side outside the ground.

Over 90,000 fans roared in Melbourne, setting a new record for the largest cricket attendance at the venue for two competing countries, excluding Australia. 

Bigger stadiums require more controls 

As stadiums are getting larger, there are more expectations for a better all-round experience for the spectator, balancing the need for secure access to and from the ground with the freedom to enjoy the main event itself. When viewed in tandem with the rapid rise of sports streaming in the USA, the most popular streaming sports of football, basketball, and soccer have clearly invested in upgrading their stadiums to give visitors an equally comprehensive experience.

The rise of biometrics can cut waiting times for entrance and purchases made within the complex. This faster, frictionless experience is definitely the present and the future. Recent tournaments have shown that big crowds can sometimes be trusted to look after each other in an age of surveillance.

Qatar World Cup surveillance uses sophisticated technology

With the World Cup taking place in Qatar, it recently came to light that six nations, including the US, the UK, Turkey, France, Pakistan, and Italy, had sent extra security personnel to accommodate the influx of visitors from around the world.

It has also been estimated that Qatar spent over $3 billion on infrastructure. Thanks to a number of specialists from the state’s Doha University, there are a number of drones that can assess the amount of people on the streets.  One of the further developments is facial recognition, designed to link tickets to the face of fans to ensure connections can be made to every transaction.

Fans and visitors to the country during World Cup month have also had to download apps that cover everything from helping to prevent the spread of covid to giving visitors easy transport and stadium entry options.

“What you see here is the future of stadium operations,” said Niyas Abdulrahiman, the chief technology officer that has developed the sophisticated surveillance within the seven newly built venues.

It has been based on the connection of all stadia via 5G and superfast wifi through a command and control center.

Biometric technology also collects and stores personal data on the athletes in the field. Ultimately, coaches and sports professionals can gain much by collecting and securing data through training to check heart rhythms, injury ratios, and other intricate analyses.

This personal data can be used for marginal gains in the competitive world on the pitch which can make all the difference. As India and Pakistan proved, there is nothing between teams when a game is that close.