Global Reach for Shahin’s Bat: Exported to Fourteen Nations

In the heart of Rajshahi, a quiet revolution is taking place within the global sports manufacturing industry. MKS Sports, a home-grown venture, has successfully transitioned from a local workshop to an internationally recognised brand, becoming the first Bangladeshi manufacturer to receive official approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to produce professional-grade cricket bats.

From ‘Bat Doctor’ to Global Entrepreneur

The mastermind behind this success is Hussain Mohammad Aftab Shahin, a native of Rajshahi who has dedicated his life to the engineering of cricket bats since 2004. Known affectionately in cricketing circles as the “Bat Doctor,” Shahin’s expertise is so refined that he has previously been consulted to modify and repair the bats of legendary cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

In 2024, MKS Sports officially commenced its journey as a full-scale manufacturing unit located in the Baro Rastar More area of Rajshahi city. The venture gained significant momentum when national cricketing icons Imrul Kayes and Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined forces with Shahin, lending both professional insight and institutional credibility to the brand.

The Bangladeshi Cricket Equipment Market

Pioneering the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ Label

For decades, Bangladesh relied heavily on imports from neighbouring giants like India and Pakistan to satisfy its domestic demand for cricket gear. Currently, the nation imports over a million bats annually, representing a market value of up to BDT 200 Crore. MKS Sports is actively working to bridge this trade deficit by proving that “Made in Bangladesh” equipment can compete with the world’s best.

The factory currently employs over 60 skilled workers who meticulously craft bats from premium English willow. These bats are no longer just for local clubs; they are now exported to 14 different countries, appearing in the hands of international players across various T20 leagues and ICC tournaments.

Economic Impact and SME Growth

The rise of MKS Sports signifies a broader shift in Bangladesh’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. By moving into high-value sports manufacturing, young entrepreneurs are demonstrating that the country can diversify beyond the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

The success of the “Bat Doctor” and his team serves as a blueprint for domestic industrialisation. With the ICC’s stamp of approval, MKS Sports is not merely selling a product; it is exporting Bangladeshi craftsmanship and engineering to the global stage.