Fazal Pathan

Khwaja Tambo of Wadala in North Solapur taluka (district) of Maharashtra started a tennis ball cricket bat business to support his mother who was the only breadwinner of the family and it changed their life.

Khwaja, a chemistry graduate, saw his mother sell wares by moving from one market to another to sustain the family after his father’s mental sickness rendered him unfit to work.

“For the past 14 years, my father hadn't been working, so my mother took care of the family. I wanted to earn money and support my mother."

Khwaja was passionate about cricket least realising that this would make him financially self-reliant.  “I was fascinated by the players' bats.” As ill luck would have it, when it came to work, he developed an allergy to chemicals.

“I never thought of entering bat-making,” says Khwaja. He says it was only because he rdecided to change the scenario of financial struggles at home that he tried various options.

“I got a shop from the Gram Panchayat where I opened a sports goods business. My mother had saved some money which she gave me. From this shop, I sold track pants, T-shirts, and bats from various companies."

Khwaja lives with his family in Wadala village in North Solapur taluka. His father, Ajmuddin Tamboli, used to run a business of polishing beads and jewelry.

Khwaja Tambo oat his factory

About 14 years ago, he was diagnosed with a mental illness, and since then, he hasn't been able to work.

Meanwhile, Khwaja's mother sells household items and runs a weekly market.

Khwaja says, "Though my family situation is somewhat stable, I have seen a lot of hardships. My father is unable to work due to his illness. My mother works alone and has always worked hard. While studying, I did any available work and tried to help. Currently, I am also working."

He further says, "Just because I was poor didn’t mean I couldn’t dream. Everyone should dream. To realize one’s dreams, one should work hard and have perseverance. Honest efforts will lead to fulfilling those dreams."

“Launching your business also means facing challenges and overcoming these to run it.  Speaking about the start of his business, Khwaja says, "My mother gave me money, and I started the business under the name 'KT Bats'. I began selling bats. At that time, some big companies said they would only supply goods if I bought in large quantities. However, I didn't have the money back then. Money brought many challenges. I wanted to increase the stock in the shop, but I couldn't do anything.

 "To raise money for expanding the shop, I started a T-shirt printing business. Various groups used to order T-shirts for festivals. I thought of making my stickers (company stickers to put on bats). I bought bats without stickers and put my stickers on them. The problem was that the bats I made did not meet the customers' expectations. As a result, I did not earn money.”

"I wanted to do something big. The bats in the market did not meet customers' expectations, so I decided to manufacture bats. Lack of money was a problem in my plans. However, I managed to raise funds and went to Kashmir where I stayed there for a few days and observed bat making and different types of wood used in it. I learned how to operate the bat-making machine. Then I returned home and bought the machine. Once bat-making started, I received customers' support instantly. The sales of my bats increased, and the business began."

Khwaja's mother, Rashad, says, "My son had a passion for cricket. He used to work hard and help everyone. Seeing his determination, I gave him all my savings to start his business. Khwaja has utilized those savings well and lived up to my expectations. I hope he achieves even more success."

Starting a business requires study. Khwaja also studied before starting the business. Speaking about it, he says, "As mentioned earlier, I had a passion for cricket, so I used to watch cricket matches in different places. Currently, there are well-known companies making bats in the market. Everyone knows that there are some iconic players in tennis ball cricket. They have bats from various companies. I used to observe those bats, think about their scoop, and see the difference between the bats made by companies and mine. I also studied the weight of the bats needed for players and which players use which bats."

Khwaja’s bats are liked by players from states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. Players can even order customized bats.

"During my study, I realized that players need different types of bats. I mean, if a player plays all around the ground, i.e., 360 degrees, they need a bat weighing 970 grams. Such a bat can be used by all players.

“If a player plays only in the V-shape on the ground, they need a bat weighing 1030 to 1050 grams. The weight of their bats should be concentrated in the lower part."

He says, "I have seen poverty. Sometimes players stay at home as they don't have money for new bats. If a player is in such a situation, I offer them bats at a lower price. I don't want anyone to stop playing due to the lack of money. I give bats with my stickers to budding players. Recently, I gave a Player Edition bat to a player from Gujarat."

Speaking about his plans, he says, "I source the raw material for bats from Kashmir. Currently, I sell 100 to 200 bats per month. The cost of each bat is Rs. 2000 onwards. The bats in 'KT Edition' and 'Player Edition' cost Rs 3,500, while bats in the 'Gold Edition' cost up to Rs. 3,000."

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He further says, "In the future, I want my bats to be available in various states across the country. I want to create my brand. My dream is to have 'KT Bats' stores in every state."