Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Mar 5: The recent visit of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to the bat-making industry in Kashmir has sparked a surge in sales and has breathed new life into an industry that has recently gained international recognition.
Bat manufacturing factory owners from Kashmir said their sales have considerably increased following Tendulkar’s visit.
Fawzul Kabiir, owner of Gr8 Sports and spokesperson of the Kashmir Bat Manufacturers Association, said that the legendary batsman’s visit has served as an endorsement of the quality bats produced in the region.
“This endorsement has resonated with cricket enthusiasts not only in India but also in other countries, leading to a notable uptick in demand,” he said.
Kabiir said Sachin’s interaction with craftsmen and his appreciation for their dedication and skill has garnered widespread attention. This has attracted cricket lovers to own bats endorsed by the legend himself, he said.
The bat industry in Kashmir, renowned for producing high-quality bats, has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, reaching the international stage. Many lesser-known international players have used Kashmiri bats at the international level.
Following Tendulkar’s visit, manufacturers have reported an increase in orders from local, domestic and international markets. They said the cricket legend’s endorsement is a recognition of their efforts, adding that Kashmiri bats are of exceptional quality and can compete favourably with English bats.
Various bat manufacturers echoed similar sentiments, saying that Sachin Tendulkar’s visit is an endorsement of the high quality of Kashmiri bats. We believe that his visit will prove beneficial for the industry in the long run, they said.
On February 17, 2024, Sachin Tendulkar visited a bat manufacturing factory in the Chersoo area of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. During his visit, he appreciated and encouraged bat manufacturing companies to continue their exemplary work and promised to promote Kashmiri bats himself.
