Deflating the wind in the willows

Kashmir’s famed ₹700-crore bat-making industry supports at least 50,000 livelihoods. Since 2021, its bats have made their way to cricket grounds around the world, with 47 international players using Kashmir willow bats in major tournaments. But a shortage of willow, climate change, and smuggling are putting the industry under pressure. Peerzada Ashiq reports on its rise and the challenges threatening its future