Made-in-Khost bats hit Pakistani manufacturers for a six

KHOST (Pajhwok): A number of cricket players and traders in southeastern Khost province say they use made-in-Afghanistan bats — something that has hit the Pakistani market.

A bat-manufacturing factory, which recently started production in Khost, supplies bats to several provinces. The small factory is operating in a rented house in the western part of the province.

Arsala Khan, the factory head, told Pajhwok Afghan News they made four different types of cricket bats. One type was manufactured for tennis ball a second for hard ball.

The two other types are light and heavy bats. He has invested around four million afghanis in the factory, which makes 150 cricket bats on a daily basis.

“Bats are made of wood that we bring from Bamyan and Ghazni. Rubber and other materials are imported from Pakistan. It is important that wood is our own production,” he added.

“We have paved the way for cricket players in Khost to buy quality bats at low prices,” Khan continued. “The bats coming from Pakistan have heavy wood. But our wood is light and white so players prefer the domestic product.”

One Pakistani bat accounts for Rs1, 200, compared with Rs700-800 that a made-in-Khost with low costs. The quality of the domestic bat was much better, he claimed.

Mohammad Rahman, who sells sport equipment, said cricketers previously liked Pakistani products, but currently Afghanistan-made bats were all the rage.

“Each of the bats coming from Pakistan has a price between Rs800 and Rs1100.  In comparison, a quality bat made in Khost costs 700 rupees,” he explained.

Syed Rahman, who has been playing cricket for six years, said he had used Pakistani bats during the period. It is a pride for him using the domestic product.

“It is our own product with a superior quality. Previously, we imported bats from Pakistan at high rates. We are happy using own product now.”

Mohammad Shah Fazalyar, a local cricket umpire, confirmed the bats manufactured by the Khost factory were of high quality. He termed it a good opportunity for players to buy their favorite bats at low priced.

He informed currently all cricket players were happy with the locally-manufactured bats because of their better quality and lower prices.

Rahim Gul Sarwan, a cricket expert, said the game had made headway in the country. As a result of the national team achievements, demand for cricket equipment has been on the rise among upcoming players.

He hailed the initiative, urging the government to support such factories.

Cricket Director Syed Alam was also all praise for the bats manufactured by the Khost factory. He would strive to convince players into using domestic products instead of imported ones.

Syed Alam said: “Of course, these are good bats. I have watched them closely. This is really good news for players, who can take advantage of these bats. We will try to use them in matches.”

Despite multiple problems, the Afghans have lately made investments in similar initiatives. The domestically made products are supplied to the local market.

sa/mud

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