Bangladesh’s Bat-Making Hub Eyes Global Cricket Market

Long known for its rich woodworking tradition, Nesarabad upazila in southern Bangladesh’s Pirojpur district has quietly emerged as the country’s largest producer of cricket bats, supplying equipment to players ranging from school-level cricketers to competitive athletes across the country.

Each bat made in Nesarabad reflects the craftsmanship of local artisans and the growing ambition of an industry seeking to take Bangladesh’s cricket equipment manufacturing expertise to international markets.

The upazila currently produces an estimated 75 percent of all locally manufactured cricket bats in Bangladesh, making it the country’s main centre for bat production.

With more than 65 workshops spread across over 15 villages, the industry produces around 300,000 cricket bats annually.

It has also become a major source of employment, supporting more than 12,000 people directly and indirectly, according to local industry stakeholders.

Unlike many internationally manufactured bats made from imported English willow or Kashmir willow, Nesarabad manufacturers use locally available timber, including kadam, gaua, neem shishu, cotton tree, fig and chatim.

The availability of these materials helps keep production costs relatively low while maintaining a level of quality that has earned locally made bats growing acceptance among players across Bangladesh.

What began three to four decades ago as a small-scale venture involving a handful of local woodworkers has gradually developed into a thriving cottage industry.

The handmade bats, once sold mainly in local markets, are now distributed across the country, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.

The industry's growing reputation has also encouraged entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities. A limited number of locally produced bats have already been shipped to neighbouring India and Nepal, offering a glimpse of the sector's potential in international markets.

Manufacturers believe Nesarabad has many of the ingredients needed to compete in the global cricket equipment industry, including skilled craftsmen, an experienced workforce and access to local raw materials.

However, industry insiders say greater institutional support is needed to unlock the sector's full potential.

They said easier access to imported willow, advanced technical training for craftsmen and stronger export facilitation could help local manufacturers produce cricket bats that meet international standards.

If these challenges are addressed, they believe Pirojpur's bat-making industry could evolve from a successful domestic enterprise into an export-oriented sector, generating foreign exchange earnings while creating additional employment opportunities.

Nesarabad Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amit Datta said the upazila administration and the government would support local manufacturers seeking to export their products through training and access to loans.

"Once the industry becomes established, the government will extend full cooperation to help it grow and expand," he said.