Kashmir willow bats aim for big hits internationally

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 8

If the new plan regarding an industrial zone for cricket bat manufacturing units takes shape, the Valley will not only double its bat exports but the Kashmir willow would also become one of the preferred choices in international cricket tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Though considered better than the famed English willow, an ‘expensive’ Kashmir willow bat just fetches its manufacturer Rs 1,200. On the contrary, English willow bats cost up to Rs 50,000 mainly because they are much lighter.

Director, Industries and Commerce, Mahmood A Shah said they had a plan to take Kashmir willow bats to international tournaments.

Notably, Shah played a key role in declaration of the 500-m area from Jawbara in Awantipora to Donipora in Sangam on the either side of the national highway in south Kashmir as an industrial zone for cricket bat manufacturing units.

“The first big task was to get the approval for the industrial zone as this area was close to the forest area. Presently, we have 400 units — 200 in Anantnag and 180 in Pulwama. We produce 32 lakh bats annually and cater to the demand of the entire country. Once our plan matures, we will be able to double the exports,” Shah told The Tribune.

On the plan to make the Kashmir willow bats meet international standards, he said: “World knows only two willows — English and Kashmiri. If you compare the English willow with Kashmir willow, ours is superior. But, they do scientific seasoning and reduce the moisture level to 18 per cent. We cannot get the moisture level below 28 per cent and as a result our bats are heavier. Now, we will upgrade the units and take manufacturers for exposure visits. We will give them generators also.”

Shah said once they started manufacturing quality bats, they would approach the IPL in the long run. “Our bats sell from Rs 250 to 1,200 only. On the contrary, bats used by players like Virat Kohli cost between Rs 30,000 and 50,000. Once we manufacture lighter bats after upgrading skills, we will tie up with the IPL. Since our willow is better, bats made here will become one of the preferred choices,” he said.

Shah said the bat manufacturers would also be able to work freely now as the industry had remained neglected for long. “Around 80 per cent bat manufacturing is done around Awantipora (on the national highway). Some even used to function illegally. Now, bat manufacturers can run their units legally. We will make a cooperative and hand it over to the local stakeholders,” he said.