Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

World Cup triumph pushes up sale of cricket gear at sports shops

VIJAYAWADA: Cricket gear and merchandise sellers are cashing in on the ‘Cricket Fever' that has gripped the country. There has been a surge, traders say, in sales immediately after the team lifted the World Cup. The sales picked up slowly after the ICC World Cup 2011 began and zoomed past traders' expectations after April 2.

At least 20 per cent increase in sales has been witnessed in the last four days. “A bat costing Rs. 400 a month ago is now being sold between Rs. 500 and Rs. 600. The ‘heat and passion' is likely to continue for another 15 to 20 days, General Sports Manager T. Timmayya told The Hindu. “We normally sell 4 to 5 bats a day. Now, we have been selling 10 to 15 bats a day,” he added. However, the sales would not last long, and normalcy would return in a fortnight, he predicts. Entrepreneurs, however, are hopeful of this demand continuing as the summer coaching camp season has arrived. The youth and children have begun swarming the shops to take home a cricket bat or other accessories. There are 15 sports shops in the city located on Eluru Road, near Taluka office and on M.G. Rao Road. Cricket is an all-season sport but the World Cup adds special colour to it, says Rajanikanth, a college student. Rajanikanth has purchased all accessories like head gear, guard, pads etc. His parents are ready to invest in new gear as the examination season is coming to an end. Many open spaces and parks have come alive these days with youth playing matches.

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