Kolkata: This was the first time the emerald green Eden Gardens pitch has been bathed in the glare of floodlights since the Covid-19 outbreak, so was a big crowd roar for Team India on Sunday when the Men in Blue faced New Zealand in the third T20I match.
The return of international cricket to Kolkata after two years was highlighted by spectacular sights, including spectators screaming and roaring in Indian jerseys, wearing headbands, and waving the country’s flag. More than the outcome, it was the enthusiasm that mattered on that winter evening, bringing joy not just to the crowd and players, but also to the hawkers whose livelihood depended on national sporting events.
“I sell at least 15 to 20 team jerseys apart from other merchandise whenever India plays at Eden. This means an income of close to Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 in a day,” said the 27-year old hawker Mohammad Arshad.
Their source of revenue has been halted for the last two years due to the Government’s prohibition on physical endeavors in stadiums. Many of the hawkers and their families were struggling to make ends meet and were on the edge of going hungry. As a result, this event offered the best possibility for individuals like Arshad, who needed to make some money to support their family.
And hawkers from not just North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, or Howrah, but also Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttarakhand poured in to offer their wares. Some of them even manufacture Indian merchandise at home, while others purchase it from local businesses to sell in and around the stadiums.
While others, such as Sunny Singh, painted Indian tricolours on the faces and arms of team fans near Howrah Sporting Club, which is located opposite the stadium.
Eden Gardens experienced a happy environment after an unprecedented two-year gap, and India’s win made it even more momentous and scripted a new history.
