Pakistan–India Clash Sparks Merchandise Boom in Karachi
Karachi: With just a day left for the high-voltage Pakistan-India clash in the ICC World T20 Cup in Colombo, shopkeepers and online sellers in Karachi are witnessing brisk business on unofficial and customized national team merchandise.
The build-up to the match was layered with off-field developments after Pakistan boycotted their originally scheduled match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh; He was replaced by Scotland after Dhaka refused to travel to India, citing security concerns. Pakistan later reversed its stance, paving the way for Sunday’s contest in Colombo.
From the bustling Zainab Market in Saddar to the old commercial streets of Lighthouse, the demand for Pakistan team jerseys, caps and armbands has increased sharply.
Qasim Shah, who runs a store in Zainab Market, said sales increased as soon as it was confirmed that the match would go ahead.
“The attack has exploded since yesterday and the demand is higher than we have seen before any Pakistan and India match,” Qasim said.
Zainab market is notorious for selling pirated and knock-offs of official Pakistan jerseys, caps and other merchandise, attracting thousands of customers ahead of key fixtures between their arch-rivals.
Haider Ali, who runs a sporting goods store in the old area of Lighthouse, sells replica Pakistan jerseys priced between 1,500 and 2,500 Pakistani rupees, attracting buyers looking for more affordable options.
Official kits released by a company licensed by the Pakistan Cricket Board are much more expensive and are only available online.
An official associated with licensed suppliers said demand was also strong with Pakistanis ordering products online from the US, UK, Australia, Dubai, Jeddah and other places.
“As Pakistanis living or working abroad have more purchasing power, they buy official products online, but we are facing deadline problems in completing orders,” said Zeeshan Malik.
This time, PCB is selling its official “Markhor” branded products at prices ranging from $30 to $55; This price is much higher than imitation products available in local markets.
To compete with official online products, some companies also sell jerseys specially designed for the match for between 2,000 and 3,000 rupees.
The excitement is not just limited to team products. Leading clubs, restaurants and movie theaters organized special screenings of the match with refreshments and dinner packages.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that this is a big event and people like to celebrate such days.
“We organized a picnic-like atmosphere with food stalls and large screens in open spaces in major parks,” he said.
Former Pakistan player Rumaan Raees said that the local administration has even signed contracts with players and coaches to run coaching clinics in temporary nets set up so that children can have fun during matches.
“Let’s hope the team does not disappoint us due to the preparations and discussions ahead of the match,” said cricket analyst and writer Omair Alavi.
“I think the interest is high this time because there is a belief that this team of ours is good enough to surprise India,” he added.
