Published 21 September 2026
Almost every cricket bat sold worldwide is made from one of two timbers: English willow or Kashmir willow. For a distributor, retailer or academy buying in bulk, the choice between them decides the price bracket you sell into, the players you serve and the after-sales questions you will answer. This guide explains the practical differences a buyer needs to know before placing an order.
Where the two willows come from
English willow is a variety of white willow (Salix alba var. caerulea) grown mainly in England. The clefts (the rough-cut blocks a bat is shaped from) are graded and exported to bat makers around the world, including India. Kashmir willow is grown in the Kashmir valley in India and is a different, harder willow. Both are shaped into bats by the same basic process: seasoning the cleft, pressing the face, shaping the blade, fitting the cane handle, and finishing.
Performance: why English willow costs more
English willow is softer and lighter for its size. Once properly pressed and knocked in, it compresses well at impact, which is what gives a good English willow bat its "ping" – the ball comes off the face faster. That is why English willow is the standard choice for club, league and professional cricket played with a leather ball.
Kashmir willow is denser and harder. A Kashmir willow bat of the same size is usually heavier, and the ball comes off the face with less rebound. In exchange, it is tougher and generally cheaper to produce, which makes it the sensible choice for beginners, juniors, schools, practice sessions and tennis-ball or soft-ball cricket.
Grading: what buyers are actually paying for
English willow bats are sold by grade. Grading is based on how the blade looks and, indirectly, how it is expected to play:
- Grain – the number and straightness of the grain lines on the face. Straight, evenly spaced grains are prized.
- Blemishes – small marks, butterfly stains or pin knots. Higher grades have a cleaner face; lower grades allow more marks that are cosmetic rather than structural.
- Colour and consistency – how even the timber looks across the face.
Grading scales differ between manufacturers (Grade 1 to Grade 5 is common, and some makers use names instead of numbers), so always ask for the grading definitions in writing and approve a pre-production sample of each grade you order. Kashmir willow is usually not graded as finely; buyers mostly specify by weight, size and finish.
Weight, sizes and profiles
For both willows, bulk orders are specified by size and weight. Adult bats are typically ordered as Short Handle (SH), with Long Handle (LH) for taller players, and junior sizes run from Size 1 to Size 6 plus Harrow. Weight is usually specified as a range (for example, an adult SH bat in a stated weight band), because every cleft is different. Profile details – edge thickness, spine height, sweet-spot position (low, mid or high) and handle shape – should be written into the specification sheet so every bat in the order plays consistently.
Durability and preparation
English willow needs care. New bats should be oiled with raw linseed oil and knocked in with a mallet before use with a hard ball; many retailers pass this advice on at the point of sale, and some buyers order bats pre-knocked for an extra charge. Kashmir willow is more forgiving and is often used straight away for soft-ball and practice cricket, although it still benefits from oiling. Protective face sheets and toe guards reduce cracking and moisture damage for both types.
Which should you stock?
- Club and adult leather-ball players: English willow, in two or three grades so you can cover different price points.
- Beginners, juniors, schools and academies: Kashmir willow, plus a small range of lower-grade English willow for improving players.
- Tennis-ball and street cricket markets: Kashmir willow or dedicated tennis-ball bats, which are lighter and suited to a softer ball.
- Private-label programmes: both, so one brand can cover the whole market from entry level to match bats.
What to put in your enquiry
To get an accurate quotation, send the willow type and grades, size and weight bands, quantity per size, handle type, profile preferences, sticker and branding artwork, grip colour, packaging (bat covers, polybags, master cartons) and destination port. See our cricket bats and cricket equipment ranges, or read how OEM and private-label production works.
Frequently asked questions
Is English willow better than Kashmir willow?
For leather-ball cricket at club level and above, English willow generally performs better because it is lighter and gives more rebound. Kashmir willow is tougher and more affordable, which makes it better value for beginners, juniors, practice and soft-ball cricket.
Why are English willow cricket bats more expensive?
The willow is grown mainly in England, higher grades with straight, clean grain are limited, and each cleft needs careful seasoning, pressing and grading before it can be shaped into a bat.
Do Kashmir willow bats need knocking in?
Knocking in matters most for English willow used with a hard leather ball. Kashmir willow bats are harder and are often used straight away for soft-ball cricket, though light oiling still helps them last.
Can I order both willow types under my own brand?
Yes. Private-label buyers commonly order Kashmir willow for entry-level lines and English willow in several grades for premium lines, all carrying the same brand stickers and packaging.
Divine Cuts manufactures and exports sports equipment from Punjab, India. Send your requirement for a quotation.