Srinagar, March 12 -- Representatives of bat manufacturers said there has been a surge in demand for Kashmir willow bats in global markets following their use by international cricket players in the last two World Cups.

Fawzul Kabiir, spokesperson of the Bat Manufacturers Association Kashmir, said this will mark the third consecutive occasion where players will use Kashmiri bats in the world cup.

He said that during the previous two World Cups, athletes from lesser-known countries played with Kashmiri bats, but this year, discussions are underway with several prominent cricketers.

UAE's star cricketer Junaid Siddiqui smashed the biggest six of the ICC T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka in Australia last year using a Kashmir willow bat fro...