In a proud moment for every Kashmiri, Kashmir Willow bats have reached the international stage as players from Oman cricket team were seen playing with Kashmir made bats in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
According to various sources this is the first time that a Kashmir made will bat is being used by international players on a global stage.
Bats crafted by GR8 Sports, a company in the Sangam area of Anantnag, will be used by the team from Oman this year. On October 19, the bats were used in a group stage match played between Oman and Bangladesh.
The young owner of GR8 Sports, Fawzal Kabeer, confirmed that the bats are being used in the cricket tournament.
Two Omani players, Naseem Khushi and Bilal Khan, who are using the GR8 Sports kit in their World Cup matches, were photographed displaying these bats as final preparations for the World Cup were underway.
“with the help of hardwork, expertise, commitment and willpower to take Kashmir willow to the world”, his company’s bats have earned international recognition, Kabeer told media.
Earlier, “The bat of Kashmir had no recognition, as we were lacking the knowledge about how to take our bat to international level, and were having no expertise and art techniques, due to which Kashmir willow bats were being sent unbranded,” said Kabeer.
To help his brand get recognised, he said that he followed all the rules framed by the International Cricket Council and managed to find some craftsmen whom he recruited into his company.
The young entrepreneur said that this is good news for all Kashmiris, particularly for those who belong to the industry, “as the international maket is being opened for all concerned.”