Published On:Saturday, November 16, 2013
Posted by devil
Sachin Tendulkar's signature turns wood to gold
Share The Knowledge
Landmark moments drive landmark stakes. Sachin Tendulkar's 200th Test match is raking in profits not only for black-marketers and betting syndicates but lawful vendors of merchandise who are minting lakhs of rupees by getting him to sign memorabilia. A humble piece of willow turns into gold when his signature is stamped on it.
Rumours are afloat that fans are willing to pay up to Rs 1 lakh to bag a seat at Wankhede stadium. So it is not surprising that those who wish to own a memento of this milestone moment are being asked to pay up to four times that amount.
One of the costliest items online is a cricket bat signed by Sachin and Sir Don Bradman that is selling for nearly Rs 4 lakh. A limited edition of 52 pieces is being sold worldwide, each packaged and framed.
A Bangalore-based web site has forged a tie-up with Sachin to produce official memorabilia to mark his 200th Test. A company representative said, "We sourced the signature of Sir Don Bradman and Sachin and crafted the items, although another website is marketing them as well. There is a range of merchandise and memorabilia that is accessible to every fan. For instance, a digitally autographed mini-bat costs Rs 500, which even a 14-year-old can buy if he saves some money. At the other end of the spectrum we have an autographed bat selling for Rs 35,000 and a set of commemorative balls with pictures of the final Wankhede Test for Rs 32,000. There are similar pictures on a bat which has a wall hook for proper display. This item costs Rs 51,000."
The marketing frenzy here has ended up impacting the way people travel. Fewer fleet taxis are available during the Test given that an operator jumped onto the parallel blue bandwagon. A private taxi operator's website has reserved 200 cabs to offer free pick-up and drop from Wankhede to spectators with valid tickets.
The service operates in the morning and evening along the western and eastern express highways, the Eastern Freeway, spanning Thane, Dadar, Shivaji Park, Andheri and Borivli. The site said 591 spectators used the service on Thursday.
| You Enjoyed This Post Please Take 5 Seconds To Share It. |
