Karachi, February 14 With just one day remaining for the high-stakes Pakistan-India clash in the ICC World T20 Cup in Colombo, shopkeepers and online sellers in Karachi are witnessing brisk business in unofficial and customized merchandise of the national team.
The build-up to the match has been filled with off-field developments, as Pakistan initially boycotted their scheduled match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland following Dhaka's refusal to travel to India due to security concerns. Pakistan later reversed its stance, paving the way for Sunday's contest in Colombo.
Demand for Pakistan team jerseys, caps, and armbands has surged sharply, from the bustling Zainab Market in Saddar to the old commercial lanes of Lighthouse.
Qasim Shah, who runs a shop in Zainab Market, said sales spiked as soon as it was confirmed that the match would proceed.
"Since yesterday, the rush has exploded, and the demand is higher than we have seen before any Pakistan and India match," Qasim said.
Zainab Market is known for selling pirated and imitation versions of the official Pakistan kits, caps, and other merchandise, attracting thousands of customers before major matches between the arch-rivals.
Haider Ali, who runs a sports goods shop in the old area of Lighthouse, has been selling replica Pakistan kits priced between 1,500 and 2,500 Pakistani rupees, attracting buyers looking for more affordable options.
The 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 the licensed suppliers said that demand has also been strong, with Pakistanis ordering the merchandise online from countries like the US, UK, Australia, Dubai, Jeddah, and other places.
"Since Pakistanis living or working abroad have more buying power, they opt for the official merchandise online, but we are facing challenges in fulfilling the orders in a timely manner," Zeeshan Malik said.
This time, the PCB is selling its official merchandise branded as "Markhor," priced between USD 30 and USD 55, significantly higher than the knock-offs available in local markets.
To compete with the official online merchandise, some companies are also selling specially designed shirts for the match priced between 2,000 and 3,000 rupees.
The excitement is not limited to team merchandise. Top clubs, restaurants, and cinemas have arranged special screenings of the match with refreshment and dinner packages.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said it is a significant occasion, and people enjoy celebrating on such days.
"We have arranged for a picnic-like atmosphere with food stalls and large screens in open spaces in major parks," he said.
Rumaan Raees, a former Pakistan player, said the local government has even signed contracts with players and coaches to run coaching clinics in temporary nets set up so that children can enjoy the match.
"Let's just hope the team doesn't disappoint us given the build-up and controversies before the match," cricket analyst and writer Omair Alavi said.
"I think the interest is high this time because there is a belief that this team is good enough to surprise India," he added.