As the ICC Champions Trophy unfolds, cricket bats crafted in Meerut are proving to be the weapon of choice for several top international players. Stars from India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan are delivering powerful performances using these premium-quality bats, many of which are made from high-grade English willow.
The ongoing tournament, being held in Pakistan and Dubai, has showcased the growing influence of Meerut's bat-making industry, with Group A and B leaders New Zealand and South Africa among the teams relying on them.
Indian players like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, and Kuldeep Yadav have all been spotted wielding bats from leading Meerut-based manufacturers such as SG, SS, and PR.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for cricket equipment from Meerut has witnessed a sharp rise, particularly in Asian and European markets.
With the Champions Trophy in full swing, international cricketers like England’s Jofra Archer, Liam Livingstone, and Mark Wood, along with Afghanistan’s Hasmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Sadiqullah Atal, have been seen using Meerut-manufactured bats. This spike in popularity is also driving increased purchases ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
According to Mohd Rizwan, a senior official at SG, "The demand for cricket equipment has multiplied post-pandemic. Orders have flooded in following the World Cup, with the Champions Trophy and IPL further fueling sales. Players often receive their gear either in their home countries or at training camps."
The prominence of Meerut’s sports equipment industry continues to grow, with companies such as SG, SS, PR, and Bhalla International strengthening the city’s reputation in the global market.
Anil Agarwal, Director at PR, highlighted this success, stating, "Meerut-made bats are dominating the Champions Trophy, demonstrating the craftsmanship and quality of our products.
Organisations like the Indian Industries Association (IIA) are playing a crucial role in supporting industry expansion."
With surging demand, bat manufacturing in Meerut has become more technologically advanced. Traditionally, it took nearly two hours to craft a single bat, but modern machinery has reduced this to just 15 minutes. Factory operator Kshitij Agarwal explained, "Innovative machines now handle key tasks such as handle shaping, cleft cutting, pressing, rubbing, and threading. This automation has enhanced efficiency, increased production, and boosted overall profits."
Inside the Craft of Bat Manufacturing
Manoj Sharma, a bat factory manager, elaborated on the intricate process of bat-making.
"We use wooden clefts, commonly known as ‘bangar,’ as the primary material. The bat handle, an essential component, is typically made from Singaporean, Assam, or Andaman cane, with Singapore cane being the highest quality. Rubber inserts—usually two or three—are embedded within the handle to enhance grip and shock absorption.
The standard bat dimensions include a height of 33.50 inches, a width of 4.25 inches, and a handle length of 11 inches, with a blade thickness between 35mm and 40mm."
As Meerut's cricket bats continue to gain global recognition, their presence in the ICC Champions Trophy is a testament to the city's growing dominance in the sporting goods industry.
With the IPL on the horizon, the demand for these expertly crafted bats is only expected to rise further.
