For the first time in the 102 years of its manufacturing history in the Valley, the Kashmir bat will be used in 50-over World Cup matches. At the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, hosted by India and which begins on Oct 5, the Afghan team will be wielding the Kashmir willow.
“Players of Team Afghanistan have our bats in the tournament this year. At least five Afghan players have already used them in the past,” says Fawzul Kabiir, 31, managing director of the GR8 cricket bat company.
Displaying grand posters of international cricketers like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, bat manufacturing units and their outlets, dotting the national highway in south Kashmir, are in a celebratory mood this year.