The right cricket bat makes the game more enjoyable and helps you play your shots properly. The wrong one — too heavy, too tall, or built for the wrong type of ball — can hold a young player back. This guide walks through the few things that actually matter so you can choose with confidence.
1. Start with the type of ball you play
This is the most important decision in Pakistan, where most casual cricket is played with a tape ball or soft ball, while club and school matches use a hard season ball.
- Tape-ball / soft-ball bats are lighter and made for taped tennis balls. They are ideal for street and gully cricket and are usually more affordable.
- Hard-ball bats are heavier and made from willow built to handle a leather season ball. Choose these for school, club, or proper match cricket.
Using a tape-ball bat against a hard ball can damage it quickly. Match the bat to the ball you actually play with most.
2. Get the size right for your height
Bat size is based on the player's height, not their age. A bat that is too long or heavy forces a player to drag it through the shot and develop bad habits. Use the ranges below as a rough guide and confirm against the specific bat's size chart.
- Size 4 — roughly 130–137 cm tall
- Size 5 — roughly 137–144 cm tall
- Size 6 — roughly 144–150 cm tall
- Harrow — roughly 150–163 cm tall
- Full size (short handle) — roughly 168 cm and above
A quick in-store check: stand the bat upright next to the player's leg. The top of the handle should sit around the top of the thigh, not above the hip.
3. Understand willow types (for hard-ball bats)
Willow only matters for hard-ball bats. The two common types each suit a different budget and level of play.
- Kashmir willow is denser, more durable, and more affordable — a great choice for beginners and improving players.
- English willow is lighter with a softer feel and better performance, which is why it costs more and is preferred by serious players.
4. Check the weight and pick-up
A heavier bat is not automatically better. What matters is how the bat feels when you lift it — its pick-up. Hold the bat in your top hand and make a few practice shots; if it feels hard to control or your wrist tires quickly, go lighter. Younger players and those still building strength should always choose a lighter bat.
5. Look at the handle and grip
- The grip should feel comfortable and not too thick for your hands
- A worn or slippery grip is cheap to replace, so don't let it put you off an otherwise good bat
- Make sure the handle is firmly attached with no movement where it meets the blade
6. Knock in and care for a new hard-ball bat
New hard-ball willow bats usually need to be knocked in before match use — gently compressing the surface with a bat mallet so the fibres can handle a hard ball without cracking. Tape-ball bats do not need this step. Whatever bat you choose, a little care goes a long way.
- Knock in a new hard-ball bat gradually before facing a fast, hard ball
- Store the bat in a cool, dry place — never in a hot car or damp room
- Avoid hitting yorkers and stones on the toe, which is where most bats crack
- Keep the grip in good condition for better control and comfort
At AR Book Mart you can browse cricket bats and sports gear suited to school students, club players, and casual cricketers, with nationwide delivery and Cash on Delivery available across Pakistan.