India is in the throes of excitement about the Cricket World Cup and this enthusiasm has spread to foreign countries as well. However, everything from jerseys to bats and balls used in the sport sector across the world is exported from Kerala.
Sports products from Kerala are exported to Australia, Canada, U.K, Ireland and Gulf countries. It is estimated that exports worth Rs 5- 8 crore are carried out in this manner.
Malayali associations are also dependent on Kerala for procuring jerseys and other equipment for friendly matches held under their aegis. Expatriates rely on Kerala because the prices of such products are cheap here.
The demand for jerseys are high and prices begin from Rs 500-1000 per piece. Price increases with the increase in quality. Jerseys are manufactured not just for men but for women and children also. Harish Damodaran, owner of N9 Teaser, said that since it takes time for products to arrive by ship, most of the exports are done by air.
Such garment manufacturing units mostly operate in the small-scale sector. When the demand booms, some manufacturers bring garments from Tirupur and export them.
According to the manufacturers, orders for balls, bats and other related products are received as per demand. The domestic market is also strong.
With the onset of the Cricket World Cup, the domestic market has also become active. Small garment manufacturers from Kerala are pitching into the cricket fever by supplying jerseys, caps, shorts and even flags outside cricket stadiums at a low price.