Following an unexpected visit by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to the MJS bat factory in Chersoo, located in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, the market for Kashmir willow bats has witnessed a remarkable surge in demand.
During his visit on February 17, 2024, Sachin Tendulkar, also known as the “master blaster,” shared a video documenting his tour of the factory. In the video, he reminisced about his first encounter with a Kashmir willow bat, a gift from his sister, highlighting the significance of Kashmir’s renowned craftsmanship in cricketing gear.
Javid Ahmad, one of the owners of the MJS bat factory, expressed how Sachin Tendulkar’s endorsement has significantly impacted their sales. “We are inundated with orders from various parts of the country,” he remarked, emphasizing that Sachin’s visit and endorsement have elevated the reputation of Kashmir willow bats globally.
Shaheen Parray, Co-Owner of MJS bat factory, revealed that they have received orders from as far as South Africa, Qatar, and Canada. He noted the influx of tourists visiting their factory, particularly drawn by Sachin’s endorsement, who eagerly seek out their brand and capture moments through selfies and photographs.
Fawzul Kabiir, Spokesperson for the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir, hailed Sachin Tendulkar’s visit as a monumental endorsement for Kashmir willow bats. He underscored Sachin’s stature as a cricketing icon in India and emphasized that his endorsement on social media platforms will undoubtedly enhance the reputation of Kashmir’s cricketing craftsmanship.
Kabiir further reiterated the longstanding campaign advocating for the quality of Kashmir willow bats, asserting that Sachin Tendulkar’s endorsement serves as a validation of their assertion. “Sachin Tendulkar’s endorsement for the Kashmir willow bat is a testament to our stand,” he affirmed, reflecting on their decade-long advocacy efforts to establish parity between Kashmir willow and English Willow bats.
