India Cricket Equipment Market Outlook to 2028

India Cricket Equipment Market Overview

• The Cricket Equipment market based on 5-year historical analysis has reached USD 700 million. This growth is driven by the sport's immense popularity, grassroots initiatives, and the proliferation of domestic leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), which have heightened consumer interest and participation across various demographics. The increasing demand for cricket bats, balls, and protective gear from schools, colleges, and local clubs further supports market expansion.
• Cities such as Meerut and Jalandhar have emerged as pivotal hubs in India's cricket equipment industry. Meerut, often referred to as the "sports city of India," has a rich history in sports goods manufacturing, contributing significantly to the national economy. Similarly, Jalandhar's longstanding tradition in producing quality cricket gear has solidified its position in the market. The dominance of these cities is attributed to their established manufacturing infrastructures, skilled labor forces, and proximity to raw materials, enabling efficient production and distribution of cricket equipment nationwide.
   
• The Government of India mandated compulsory BIS certification for selected sports safety gear in 2023, including cricket helmets and chest guards. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, over 500 cricket gear units applied for certification in the same year, indicating rising compliance. The objective is to ensure minimum safety benchmarks for players at all levels. This move supports regulated market expansion and deters low-quality imports or counterfeit protective equipment from entering the market.

India Cricket Equipment Market Segmentation

• By Product Type: The Indian Cricket Equipment market is segmented by product type into bats, balls, protective gear, and others. Among these, cricket bats hold a dominant market share due to their essential role in the game and the cultural significance attached to batting in Indian cricket. The preference for high-quality bats, especially those made from English willow, drives substantial demand in this segment.

• By Distribution Channel: The market is also segmented by distribution channels, including hypermarkets/supermarkets, sports retail stores, branded outlets, and others. Sports retail stores have a dominant market share, as they offer specialized products and personalized services that cater to the specific needs of cricket enthusiasts. These stores often provide a wide range of equipment, from amateur to professional levels, attracting a broad customer base.

India Cricket Equipment Market Competitive Landscape

The Indian cricket equipment market is characterized by a mix of established domestic manufacturers and international brands. This competitive landscape fosters innovation and offers consumers a diverse range of products catering to various preferences and budgets.

India Cricket Equipment Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Rise in Domestic Cricket Participation and Infrastructure Expansion: According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India has over 5,000 registered cricket academies, and the Khelo India initiative has allocated INR 3,397 crore in 2023-24 for sports infrastructure development. These funds are channelled into upgrading cricket grounds and providing equipment to government schools and colleges. Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organized over 1,200 domestic cricket matches across age categories in the same period. This rising domestic activity significantly drives demand for cricket gear.
• Demographic Advantage and Youth Engagement in Sports: Indias demographic profile strongly supports the cricket equipment market. As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), 27.2% of Indias population in 2023 was aged between 1529, totaling over 375 million youth. The Ministry of Education reports that over 140 million students in upper primary and secondary schools participated in physical education programs in 2023, with cricket being the most widely played sport in both rural and urban areas. This wide youth base offers continuous consumer engagement with cricket-related products.
• Urban and Tier 2/3 City Penetration of Sports Goods Retail: Growing urbanization is expanding cricket gear retail beyond metro cities. The World Bank's 2023 urban population statistics show that over 500 million Indians now reside in urban regions. Meanwhile, states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, with Tier 2 cities such as Kanpur and Nagpur, have reported over 15% year-on-year growth in organized sports goods retail outlets (Ministry of Commerce & Industry). These cities are seeing improved access to branded cricket equipment, fueling product penetration in price-sensitive yet high-volume markets.

Market Challenges

• Dependence on Imported Raw Materials and Limited Manufacturing Clusters: India relies heavily on English willow imports from the UK for manufacturing high-end cricket bats. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) recorded an import volume of over 200,000 English willow clefts in FY 2023. However, supply chain disruptions due to post-Brexit trade barriers and increased import duties have created volatility in availability. In addition, only two major cricket manufacturing clusters (Meerut and Jalandhar) dominate production, which limits scalability and adds pressure to local manufacturers.
• Counterfeit Product Circulation in Domestic Markets: As per a 2023 report by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, nearly 30% of sports goods sold in unorganized retail markets were found to be counterfeit or non-compliant with safety standards. In cricket, counterfeit bats and balls made from substandard materials not only affect user safety but also impact brand trust. Crackdowns in key manufacturing regions have been inconsistent, and the absence of a centralized licensing body for cricket gear manufacturers adds to this challenge.

India Cricket Equipment Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Indian cricket equipment market is expected to experience significant growth. Factors such as the increasing popularity of cricket, the establishment of new domestic leagues, and the rising disposable income of consumers are anticipated to drive demand. Additionally, technological advancements in equipment manufacturing and the growing trend of customization are likely to attract a broader consumer base, further propelling market expansion.

Market Opportunities

• Emergence of Women's Cricket: The Women's Premier League is transforming women's cricket, inspiring more girls to pursue the sport professionally. Increased participation and visibility are driving demand for specialized women-centric gear, offering new market opportunities.
• Government-Backed Initiatives: The Samagra Shiksha Scheme supports sports infrastructure and equipment in government schools, promoting grassroots cricket. In 2023-24, an outlay of 812.42 crore was approved for sports grants, aiding bulk procurement of affordable cricket kits and fostering future market opportunities.