Kashmir willow bats’ ISI certification brings joy to manufacturers

Anantnag, Dec 21: The inclusion of Kashmir willow cricket bats under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ISI Mark (IS828) has brought immense joy to manufacturers, who see it as a historic step toward global recognition of their craft.

“This standardisation is a milestone,” said Fawzul Kabiir, Chairman of the Kashmir Bat Association Industrial Cooperative Limited and founder of GR8 Sports India Pvt Ltd. “It elevates our indigenous product’s status globally while supporting local artisans and manufacturers who preserve this legacy.”

The BIS held a meeting with the Kashmir Bat Association (KBA) Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Limited on December 18 to establish standardisation protocols for professional-grade Kashmir willow cricket bats.

The KBA, operating under the Indian Societies Registration Act, receives guidance from the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, J&K.

The meeting focused on ensuring that Kashmir willow cricket bats meet the highest professional standards, making them competitive with their global counterparts.

“This move will enhance the image of Kashmir willow in the international market, open new avenues for exports, and bolster India’s reputation in sports equipment manufacturing,” Kabiir said.

This recognition follows the Government of India’s acknowledgement of the Kashmir willow cricket bat as a handicraft in October this year.

The success of GR8 Sports India Pvt Ltd, whose bats received ICC approval in 2021, has showcased the international potential of Kashmir willow, inspiring further industry transformation.

“This achievement is a collective victory for all bat manufacturers who have worked tirelessly to establish their presence internationally,” Kabiir said.

The industry is now poised to pursue a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which will preserve the unique identity of Kashmir willow cricket bats.

The government’s support through financial aid, infrastructure development, and streamlined export processes aims to rejuvenate the industry.

“These initiatives are expected to enhance Kashmir willow’s global competitiveness while strengthening India’s position as a leader in professional sports equipment manufacturing,” Kabiir said.