‘Flag’ship business

A cricket match, in whatever format it  be, is incomplete without roaring fans waving the flags of their favourite team. The mood was no different in Kochi either.

The flag vendors made good business in Kochi. Interestingly, it is a single contractor who sells flags across the country where ODIs, Tests, and IPL matches are held. The contractor has deployed a 200-member team,  including a woman, in Kochi with the target of selling 25,000. The price range is `10-`50.

Biju Bose, a 37-year-old member of the sales team, said he had been into selling flags for the past 15 years.

“I have been travelling from one stadium to the other. We sell national flags on Independance Day and Republic Day. Our team will have the presence at all stadia where ODIs, Tests, T20 and IPL matches are held,” Bose said.

When asked about demand for the tricolour in Kochi, he said it was much higher than in Rajkot where the first match in the series was held,” he said.  The flags are manufactured in Kolkata. However, there is no fixed price. The price is what Biju feels at that time. Anyway there are buyers.

Suhas, an engineering student from Kasargod, said there is no thrill without holding a national flag. “I do believe that waving of flags will motivate our team.”

However, there are groups who carry flags to garner media attention. “We want the cameras to zoom in on us. Those who watch the match live on television can have a glimpse of us. So I spent `100 for a flag,” said Rajeesh from Kollam.

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The New Indian Express
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