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KASHMIRI WILLOW BATS handle attached to a flat-fronted willow -wood blade. The length of the bat may be no more than 38 inches (965 mm) and the width no more than 4.25 inches (108 mm). Its use is first mentioned in 1624. Kashmiri bats require constant knocking and oiling to make the bat good enough to use in a cricket match. Knocking makes the fibres of the willow blade compress together, which helps the bat bear the impact of the ball . Constant knocking for six hours is required so that the edges of the bat are well shaped. Another major aspect of taking care of such bats is oiling. Oil is applied on the back, toe, front and edges of the bat to make it more durable and to ensure the fibers get knitted properly. [17] Some of the districts where these bats are made in Kashmir are Anantnag , Baramula , andPahalgam . [18] Due to Kashmir Floods, the Willow has been destroyed completely, the loss of wood and damage to trees causing a shortfall of millions of cricket bats in upcoming years
