# Kashmir’s cricket bat industry faces willow shortage and smuggling 2026-08-15T03:01:26+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Kashmir’s bat-making industry has grown to 195 registered manufacturers, around 150 cleft dealers and an estimated 50,000 livelihoods, but now faces shortages of raw material, climate pressures and smuggling, The Hindu reports. The region produces about 30 lakh bats a year, double the output of a decade ago, using willow trees harvested after 12 to 15 years. Kashmir willow gained international recognition after an ICC-certified company secured an Oman Cricket Board contract in 2021. UAE player Junaid Siddique used one to hit a 109-metre six during the 2022 World Cup. Manufacturers say 47 international players have used the bats, including players in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Anantnag, ICC, Junaid Siddique, Kashmir, Oman Cricket Board Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kashmirs-cricket-bat-industry-faces-willow-shortage-and-smuggling/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kashmirs-cricket-bat-industry-faces-willow-shortage-and-smuggling/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.