Rohan Chowdhury, Edgbaston, Birmingham
The second Test between England and India is underway at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Cricket Ground, and at stumps on Day 1, India find themselves at 310 for 5. Skipper Shubman Gill is batting on a fluent 114, with Ravindra Jadeja giving him company on 41*. But while the cricket has kept fans on the edge, it’s what’s happening off the field—inside the bustling merchandise store—that also tells a tale.
Home to the Warwickshire County Cricket Club—fondly known as The Bears—Edgbaston wears the colours of India and England with pride this week. The crowd is skewed in favour of India as compared to Leeds, given Birmingham’s sizeable Indian diaspora. However, English fans still dominate. But step inside the merchandise store, and it’s not just national pride that’s on display.
What hits you first is the colour. Racks of shirts and accessories—current, retro, stock clearance, national, franchise—splash across the walls. The IPL section, in particular, feels like a mini-India in fabric. From Chennai Super Kings to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians to Rajasthan Royals, to Kolkata Knight Riders, most of the big names are there, barring Royal Challengers Bengaluru, curiously missing. “I’m not sure why,” shrugged an attendant, mid-unpacking. “We’ve just received the consignments, and this is what’s come through so far.”
Among the browsers was a young local boy who picked up three jerseys—CSK, SRH, and an England Test shirt. “I like Delhi Capitals, but couldn’t find one here,” he smiled, politely declining a photo. “I love Dhoni, so CSK was a must. The SRH one is for a friend.”
Prices for the IPL jerseys range from £15 to £35, with the current season’s editions placed higher on the shelf—and the price tag.
“Yes, we stock IPL gear year-round,” said the attendant. “But we knew these few days would bring a spike, so the collection has been expanded just for the match.” Judging by the crowd elbowing through the racks, the strategy is clearly paying off.
But it’s not just IPL that’s catching attention. The Birmingham Phoenix corner—a nod to The Hundred—boasts jerseys, notepads, keyrings, and a smattering of team accessories. The designs are bright, though the quality, personally speaking, didn’t quite justify the price, £42, after a clearance sale discount.
Closer to home, Warwickshire CC memorabilia are also on display—balls, keychains, and a life-sized bear mascot keeping watch. The jerseys, though, seemed to be missing, or at least weren’t on display.
The international collection is where things get serious. India and England shirts, hoodies, polos, and jackets dominate the racks. Prices range from £50 to £70—a rate that mirrors what fans would pay back home in India (around ₹5000 at an Adidas store) for an official India jersey.
But perhaps the most delightful corner is the one of Macron—the sportswear brand that kits out South Africa, the West Indies, and Ireland. There’s something compelling about seeing a maroon West Indies ODI shirt or a crisp South African Test top up close, personal favourite in that rack was the Ireland ODI jersey. Ah! That green shade. Prices here hover between £55 and £75.
For those not looking to splurge on a jersey, the store has plenty to offer. Warwickshire and Edgbaston-themed keyrings, magnets, caps, mini bats, pens, and diaries sit neatly near the exit. Most of these are in the range between £5 and £15—a fair deal for a keepsake from a storied venue.
All in all, a visit to Edgbaston’s merchandise store is as much a part of the matchday experience as the cricket itself. Whether you’re a jersey collector, a souvenir hunter, or just a fan soaking it all in, this little cricket bazaar has something to offer. Sure, the prices may feel a touch steep—but then again, memories don’t come cheap.
If you get time, read some cricket history.
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