Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 2: The demand for Kashmiri bats have increased in international markets after two international cricket players from Oman played with them in T20 World Cup 2021.
Bat manufacturers said that the players from Oman have changed the fate of the industry as it is the first time after seven decades Kashmiri bat was used at international stage.
Fawzul Kabir a 29-year-old MBA pass out and owner of GR8 Sports whose bat was used by Oman players said that there are over 400 units in Halmulla-Sethar hamlet in Anantnag district and since last seven decades millions of bats were manufactured here but despite hectic efforts were not able to take them international stage.
He said that after our own Kashmiri product was used by the players from Oman, we started getting orders from famous cricket playing nations like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
“We have already sent consignment to around 12 countries and many orders are also in queue,” he said, adding that this is a new beginning for us and we are hopeful very soon that famous international players will play with our bats.
“Since 2012-2020 we have been visiting different countries and inviting players there to play with Kashmiri bats but every time they were rejecting us but in 2021 our efforts brought fruits when players from Oman accepted to play with our bats and it gave recognition to our bats,” Kabir said. “Now are receiving orders from the same people or countries which earlier had rejected us.”
“We are hopeful that Kashmiri bats will emerge as an alternative to English willow bats as we are the only ones who can produce these bats at much less rate than what English willow costs,” he said.
Kabir said that no cultivation of willow is taking place and authorities must take its cognizance and sow willows on a large chunk of land which is lying barren.
