On November 7, the Government of India officially recognized the “Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat” as a handicraft item. This is big news for artisans and manufacturers in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Textiles has taken this step to give the Kashmir willow bat industry a boost, helping it compete with the globally popular English willow bat.

A group of journalists from Hyderabad recently visited a Kashmir willow cricket bat factory in Halamulla, Bijbehara. During their visit, they got a firsthand look at how these famous bats are made and learned about the local craftsmen involved in the process. Fawzul Kabiir, the Vice President of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) and Managing Director of GR8 Sports, welcomed the group. He proudly shared that Kashmir willow is now gaining international attention.

By adding these bats to the handicrafts list, it will be easier to apply government schemes to the cricket bat industry. This move will help local artisans join skill improvement programs, boosting exports and promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It also highlights Kashmir’s unique role in the global cricket community.

This decision will allow bat manufacturers to access financial aid, training, and other support through programs like the National Handicrafts Development Program (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS).

Fawzul Kabiir expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and the Handloom & Handicrafts Department of J&K for recognizing the hard work that goes into making Kashmir willow cricket bats. He said this recognition will provide new opportunities for local artisans, ensuring their financial stability while also promoting these bats both in India and abroad. He also thanked the Ministry of Textiles for stepping in at the right time to provide better resources and help preserve this important part of Kashmir’s heritage.

The Kashmir cricket bat industry is mainly located in the Anantnag and Pulwama districts, where over 400 manufacturing units are active. These units employ thousands of skilled artisans who turn locally grown Kashmir willow into high-quality cricket bats. These bats are known worldwide for their craftsmanship. The industry not only offers local jobs but also helps keep alive a tradition that combines art with sport.