Srinagar, Dec 18: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO) on Wednesday organized a seminar in Srinagar to discuss Indian Standards for cricket bats used with leather balls. The deliberations were held to boost Kashmir cricket bat standards, a move that will help the manufactures tap into global markets.
A statement issued here said that the event aimed at involving local manufacturers in refining standards, improving product quality, and aligning Kashmir’s cricket bat industry with international benchmarks.
“The seminar, attended by over 30 industry representatives, focused on Indian Standard IS 828 Part 1, which governs cricket bats used with leather balls,” the statement said, adding that officials highlighted the importance of standardization in enhancing the credibility of products and opening global market opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Pankaj Atri, Joint Director, BIS JKBO, said, “This initiative is part of BIS’s efforts to encourage stakeholder involvement at the grassroots level. Standardization will not only improve the quality of cricket bats but also help manufacturers tap into global markets.” Atri also underscored the significance of the “Make in India” initiative in promoting local industries.
Peerzada Zulqarnain, Project Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) Pulwama, said the potential for Kashmir’s cricket bat industry to achieve international recognition. “This initiative by BIS will empower local manufacturers, improve market credibility, and open global opportunities. It is a crucial step toward ensuring the sustainability and growth of the industry,” he said.
Adding to this, Zubair Joo, from DIC Anantnag, remarked, “Such meetings will improve manufacturers’ knowledge about quality standards, enabling them to align their products with global standards, boost exports, and foster economic growth in the region.”
The Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir also raised industry-specific concerns. Its spokesperson, Fawzul Kabir, highlighted the challenges faced by manufacturers and called for better marketing and certification of Kashmir willow bats. “Kashmir willow and English willow are at par in terms of quality. We need to align, market, and certify our products to meet international requirements,” Kabir said. The seminar concluded with an interactive session where participants explored the features of the BIS website and mobile applications designed to assist stakeholders.
