World Cup fails to enthuse Jalandhar's sports goods industry

CHANDIGARH: The ICC Cricket World Cup has failed to enthuse Jalandhar's famous sports goods manufacturers with industry not seeing any upswing in demand for cricket gear, either from domestic or export market.

With orders size remaining stagnant despite one of the biggest sports extravaganza taking place from February 14, the industry is hoping for a spurt in demand by a country which wins the coveted Cup.

Some traders even blamed the "excessive" cricket being played in the country for the lukewarm response.

"There is no impact of World Cup so far on demand for sports goods. We have not seen any sudden jump in orders for cricket equipments because of the tournament ahead as our order books size remains normal," Ranson Sports Industry, MD, Raghunath S Rana told PTI today.

Noting that the demand for cricket equipment remains stagnant, industry said manufacturers refused to take a risk in stocking cricket gear this time ahead of the mega event, fearing financial losses if there is lack of demand.

"Moreover, we have several cricket events taking place almost throughout the year as against cricket being a seasonal sporting event in some other countries. It is also one of the factors which prove to be a dampener," said another sports goods manufacturer.

Some other manufacturers pointed out the timing of TV coverage of cricket matches and final exams at school

could also affect the demand. However, manufacturers were confident of receiving bulk orders from the country which wins the trophy.

"There will be an increase in order size of cricket equipments after the event. Whichever country wins, the orders will flow to Jalandhar as cricket enthusiasts have faith in the quality of our cricket equipments," said Worldwide Cricket Company Pvt Limited, MD, Arvind Abrol.

Manufacturers are also pinning hopes on India's victory over Pakistan in their first match which, they say, can bring sudden jump in demand.