Next to the expansive maidan and the iconic Eden Gardens lies what locals refer to as the largest sports goods market in Asia. Covering half a kilometer, this bustling stretch is the initial destination for every aspiring sportsman in the city. Badminton racquets sway from aging ceilings, cricket bats of various sizes, shapes, and woods, along with football boots, teeter on the edge of glass showcases. Imitation-gold plated trophies glimmer garishly beneath the harsh glow of tube lights.
Rahman Ali, owner of Palace Sports, proudly asserts, “The journey of every sportsman starts here, and not the maidan.” Established in 1965, his family, like many shop owners, migrated from East Pakistan after partition. Ali recounts stories of legendary cricketers like Abbas Ali Baig and MS Dhoni purchasing sports gear from his store. Shami, too, was a familiar face before making it into the Indian team.
Currently, the demand for Shami’s jerseys has outstripped supply. Ali explains, “Usually, we stock more jerseys of Rohit and Virat. But we didn’t know our bowlers would become such a hit. But no worries, the load will arrive tomorrow, in time for the match.” Each replica jersey costs around Rs 450, a slight increase from the typical Rs 250-300, justified by the shop owners as a necessity to recover losses incurred during the pandemic.
The three-week window of the World Cup becomes their harvest season. Selling approximately 200-300 jerseys daily, the numbers surge on match days. Despite the proximity to the stadium, the shopkeepers lament being unable to leave their shops and witness the matches live.
The narrow passageways are now even more cramped as jersey hunters increase. The streets are abuzz with discussions about Shami’s recent exploits and speculations about Virat Kohli‘s performance at the Eden Gardens. The influx of cricket enthusiasts from different parts of the state adds to the already crowded New Market Area.
Some spectators venture into the Eden Gardens, passing by the Maidan with its kite-fliers, in search of a selfie or to absorb the match-day atmosphere. Policemen advise curious tourists to visit after 6 PM when the stadium facade glows. The surrounding area witnesses a palpable excitement, with a fleet of police cars, tired but content policemen, and fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming match.
When the match schedule was announced, the city initially felt dejected not to host India’s marquee games. However, fate intervened, and Kolkata ended up hosting one of the most competitive games of the tournament, India versus South Africa. As fans eagerly await the clash, reminiscences of past glory, particularly hosting finals in 1987 and 2016, linger in the city’s psyche.
The narrow passageways, once bustling with sports enthusiasts, have become more congested as the demand for jerseys and cricket-related merchandise surges. Some tourists hope to witness the team practicing at the stadium, while others soak in the atmosphere and seek a selfie with the iconic venue.
As the cricket pilgrims throng the city, seeking tickets and indulging in cricket fervor, the anticipation for the India versus South Africa semifinal reaches a crescendo. The city, with its deep-rooted connection to cricket history and previous iconic matches, eagerly awaits another chapter to be written at the historic Eden Gardens.
