Cricket Bat Manufacturers in Kashmir Witness Surge in Demand Ahead of World Cup

Cricket Bat Manufacturers in Kashmir Witness Surge in Demand Ahead of World Cup

Asif Iqbal | September 28, 2023 | 10:17 PM IST | Anantnag, Breaking News, Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Cricket Bat Manufacturers in Kashmir Witness Surge in Demand Ahead of World Cup.

Sangam, Kashmir: In the picturesque town of Sangam in south Kashmir, a renowned batmaker, Kumar, hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, finds himself amid a thriving community of master craftsmen. These skilled artisans have been irresistibly drawn to Sangam as the demand for cricket bats has spiked significantly in anticipation of the Cricket World Cup, set to kick off next week.

Unprecedented Demand for Kashmir Willow Bats

Traditionally, the sale of bats made from Kashmir willow experiences an upswing before every major cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, this year is different, as India is hosting the event after a gap of 12 years. Kumar, overwhelmed by the soaring demand, remarks, “With the Cricket World Cup approaching, the demand for bats has risen so much that we are not able to complete all the orders.

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Crafting Bats for Cricket Royalty

Kumar, a seasoned batmaker with 20 years of experience, is elated that the bats he meticulously crafts will find their way into international cricket. He proudly states, “I have made bats for ace cricketers such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Andre Russell, and Dwayne Bravo.

Kashmir Willow Bats Garner Global Recognition

Fawzul Kabir, the spokesperson for the Cricket Bat Manufacturers’ Association of Kashmir, points out that the demand for Kashmir willow bats has been steadily increasing over the past two years. This surge can be attributed to the ICC’s approval for the use of these bats in international tournaments. Kabir, who manufactures bats under the GR8 Sports brand, states, “We have been manufacturing cricket bats for 102 years but didn’t have any national or international recognition till 2021. After getting the ICC’s approval, our bats appeared in different international tournaments, and the demand has risen manifold.

Kashmir Willow Bats: A Global Sensation

Kabir proudly claims that Kashmir caters to a staggering 80 percent of the global demand for cricket bats. He further adds, “With the World Cup around the corner and being hosted by India, the demand has risen manifold. We manufacture around three million bats annually, but the demand for this month and the previous one was 15 times higher. We manufactured around three to four million bats in two months that we delivered.

“In fact, from virtually “zero exports” until 2021, more than 1.85 lakh bats from Kashmir have been exported to various countries. Kabir emphasizes the affordability and quality of Kashmir willow, saying, “We are giving the world a better alternative in the form of Kashmir willow, that too at a cheaper price. Quality-wise also, if you see our bat, the biggest six in the (T20) World Cup was hit by a player using our bat,” adding that at least 17 players will be using his company’s bats during this edition of the World Cup.

With the world’s eyes on the upcoming Cricket World Cup, the demand for these exceptional Kashmir willow bats continues to soar. Craftsmen like Kumar, Fawzul Kabir, and their dedicated workforce are not only earning their livelihood but also contributing to the legacy of cricket bat craftsmanship in the region.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.