The Government of India has officially recognized the ‘Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat’ as a handicraft item. This is a big step for the artisans and manufacturers in Jammu and Kashmir who make these bats. The decision was made by the Ministry of Textiles. It is expected to help the Kashmir willow bat industry compete with the well-known English willow bat.
Recently, a media team from Hyderabad visited a factory in Halmulla, Bijbehara, where these bats are made. The visit helped them understand how the industry works and learn about the skilled craftsmen involved in making the bats.
Fawzul Kabiir, the Vice President of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) and the Managing Director of GR8 Sports, welcomed the media group. He shared that the Kashmir willow bat is gaining recognition around the world.
Kabiir expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir handloom and handicrafts department. He praised them for acknowledging the craftsmanship that goes into making these famous cricket bats.