ISL 2016: Scarf sellers at venue blames cash crunch for drop in business

No more scarfs (Picture Courtesy ISL)

Kolkata, Nov 17 (IANS) The demonetization has apparently hit even the scarf sellers who ply their trade outside the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium where Indian Super League (ISL) football matches are being held this year. Ahead of Atletico de Kolkata's home tie against NorthEast United FC on Thursday, the scarf sellers looked sombre as their business has gone dry.

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They blamed the central government's decision to ban high-value currency notes for their plight. "Usually we go home happy after selling the scarfs if not all the jerseys. This time it seems no one is willing to spend money on anything which is not a necessity," a young seller with mostly NorthEast scarfs said.

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"NorthEast fans come in large numbers here and buy our stuff. It seems the currency crunch has hit all very hard," he added.

Another fellow seller said that most of the spectators get complimentary tickets and are not ardent supporters.

"I don't think they buy tickets. We sell during the Indian Premier League (IPL) too at the Eden Gardens and there is a buzz which is missing here. Of course, the currency ban is a big problem. We have been waiting here since two hours before kick-off but to no avail."

--IANS