The willow used in making cricket bats was brought in by the British, who ruled India, during the 1920s.[10] The villages nestled high in the mountains which were abundant with willow of Kashmir, and accounted for the majority of the world's cricket bats during 1970s when its manufacturing started. These bats are not only popular in India, but also in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The bats cost from $10 to $200. Generally considered to be heavier than English willow bats, these bats are preferred by players of the sub-continent like Yuvraj Singh and Sreesanth, who prefer the greater speed generated off these bats. Traditional methods are still used by the industry established in Kashmir, whereby bats are shaped by hand and eye measurements, combining traditional tools with modern technology. [11]
Kashmiri bats require constant knocking-in and oiling in order to make the bat good enough to use in a cricket match. Knocking-in is done so as to make the fibres of the willow blade compress together which helps the bat bear the impact of the ball. The best way is to use an old ball or bat mallet. Constant knocking for six hours is required so that the edges of the bat are well shaped. Another major aspect bat maintenance is oiling. Oil is applied on the back, toe, front and edges of the bat to make it more durable and to help the fibers get knitted together properly.[12]Some of the districts were these bats are made in Kashmir are Anantnag, Baramula, and Pahalgam.[13]
Some of the companies that produce Kashmiri bats are Sareen Sports Industries, SG Cricket, BDM Cricket Bats, and Syndicate Sports Goods.
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