Srinagar: The cricket bats made of Kashmir Willow by GR8 Sports India Private Ltd. are being used by international cricket players for a third consecutive year at the T20 World Cup, making the cricket scene less reliant on the English Willow imports and bringing impetus to the local economy, an industry leader said.
Two international players from Oman, Mehran Khan and Bilal Khan, played with the Kashmir Willow bats and other gear from GR8 Sports at the T20 World Cup match against Namibia at the Kensington Oval in the US.
“Many other players representing different countries in the World Cup will also be seen playing with the equipment made by GR8 Sports Kashmir," Managing Director GR8 Sports, Fawzul Kabiir, told UNI.
GR8 Sports India Pvt Ltd. is the lone ICC approved brand of Kashmir, and its bats are being used by many international cricketers around the world.
Kabiir said there are around 400 bat manufacturing units in the industrial area from Sangam to Awantipora in south Kashmir, and the GR8 product line represents the entire bat industry, bringing a sense of achievement among one and all.
Highlighting the commitment towards the global cricket arena, Kabiir said, “We are proud to create a best-in-class niche in the cricket bat industry, and we remain dedicated to providing cricketers worldwide with the finest equipment that enhances their game.”
Kabiir said: “It took 14 years of research and development for GR8 Sports to craft the Kashmir Willow Wood into a professional cricket bats.”
“It isn't only the wood, handle, or sticker that makes a professional cricket bat; it is craftsmanship, expertise, adherence to ICC standards, understanding batters' needs, playing conditions, batting order, and our innovative patented techniques and technologies that make a professional cricket bat," Kabiir added.
He said the relentless hard work and persistent efforts motivated us to make the major breakthrough in this area and finally innovate a product that belongs to our indigenous industry with a huge scope to uplift the entire industry of Kashmir.
“It will make us self-sufficient and less reliant on the English Willow imports thereby bringing an impetus to the economy of our country," Kabiir said.
