From Valley to Victory: Kashmir Bat Debuts in Women's International

Anantnag, Oct 6: After making its debut in men’s T-20 and One Day International (ODI) cricket, the Kashmir willow bat has now made its way into women’s international cricket.

Bats crafted by GR8 Sports, a company based in Halmula-Sangam, Anantnag district in South Kashmir, are being used by players from the West Indies women’s cricket team in the ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) T-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a recent match against South Africa’s women's team, West Indies opener Qiana Joseph wielded a bat made from Kashmir willow by GR8 Sports, marking another significant milestone for both the brand and the region.

Other West Indies players, including Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, and Shamilia Connell, have also been seen using GR8 cricket bats and equipment throughout the tournament.

The players used the bat in today's match as well, held in Dubai. The bat first gained international attention in the men’s T-20 World Cup in 2021, held in the UAE.

It was later used by players from Oman and the UAE in the 2022 T-20 World Cup in Australia.

Last year, the bat made its way to the ODI World Cup in India, where players from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Oman, and the UAE used it.

Fawzal Kabir, the 32-year-old owner of GR8 Sports, and his younger brother Niaz ul Kabir, view this as another feather in the cap for the Kashmir bat industry.

"This is a historic day for GR8 Sports and Kashmir willow bats," they said.

The Kabir brothers attribute their bats’ international recognition to hard work, expertise, commitment, and a drive to take Kashmir willow to the global stage.

“Over the past four years, GR8 Sports has focused on quality and innovation, conducting extensive tests and implementing AI-based machinery to perfect their cricket bats for women. The debut of our Kashmir willow bat in the Women’s World Cup highlights our commitment to quality and dispels the misconception that Kashmir willow bats are heavier or inferior to English willow bats," Fawzal Kabir said.

An MBA graduate from the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Fawzal inherited the family business from his late father, who started it in 1974.

According to the Department of Industries and Commerce, 400 cricket bat manufacturing units are currently operational in South Kashmir. Of these, 220 units are based in the villages of Bijbehara, Sangam, and Halmulah in Anantnag district, while 180 units are in the villages of Pujteng, Sethar Charsoo, and Jawbara in Awantipora, Pulwama district.

Each year, approximately 35 lakh cricket bats are exported from Kashmir to other states, generating an annual turnover of over Rs 100 crore and providing livelihoods to thousands of people.

However, the industry faces challenges due to low demand and a lack of raw materials.

The absence of a modern seasoning cluster plant means most manufacturers rely on slow, open-air drying methods that do not meet global standards.

Currently, raw materials are often sent to Jalandhar, Meerut, and other cities, where bats are branded and sold to international players.

The moisture content of Kashmiri willow is higher than that of English willow, making the bats comparatively heavier. Despite these challenges, Fawzal Kabir believes his efforts will boost the Kashmir bat industry, opening up international markets for all those involved in the trade.

"This industry was once overlooked, but after our bats gained international recognition, the government is showing more interest in its development," Kabir said, emphasizing the need to implement the government's proposed Rs 2.5 crore willow plantation project in Kashmir.