Kashmir sets up hub to modernise cricket bat industry

Anantnag (J-K), June 12 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir government is setting up a cluster for manufacturing cricket bats, where manufacturers will be able to utilise common facilities, to modernise and promote the industry in the state.

The central government under the central assistance scheme sanctioned the unit and the cricket bat cluster (CBC) is being constructed in Anantnag district of the state.

Work has already started on this project and the main building for housing seasoning chambers, administrative blocks and electrical equipment like high tension and low tension networks and transformers have been almost completed.

"Under the small industries cluster development program, the government has approved a project for our state named cluster development of cricket bat. This industry has been laid down in the area where the people involved in this business have their shops," said Muzaffar Hussian, Joint Director of Industries and Commerce (development), Kashmir.

"We will get lot of benefits from this cluster. Our supply of bats is throughout India. With the help of this cluster more and more bats can be manufactured in less time," said Abdul Majeed Mir, President of Kashmir Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association.

The fine quality cricket bats manufactured in Kashmir are exported and also supplied to the domestic market.

Kashmir Willow is renowned worldwide and is second only to the famous English Willow for manufacture of the best cricket bats. (ANI)