World's largest cricket bat unveiled at Tank Bund

HYDERABAD: A 56.1-feet-long cricket bat, said to be the biggest in the world, was unveiled at Tank Bund ahead of Sunday's India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match. Made of poplar wood, it is said to weigh 9,000 kg and is said to be listed in the Guinness World Records.

It was unveiled by special chief secretary (municipal administration and urban development) Arvind Kumar and principal secretary (IT) Jayesh Ranjan.

It is expected to be a major attraction during the Men’s T20 World Cup as well as during the Sunday Funday event at Tank Bund and the forthcoming Diwali festivities. The bat has been designed by Pernod Ricard India (P) Ltd and fabricated by BSL Events over a month. Seagrams Royal Stag Bottled Water is dedicating the bat to Indian T20 cricket team participating in the ICC T20 World Cup, according to the release.

Arvind Kumar said: “It is a matter of pride for Hyderabad that this bat, the world’s largest, is being displayed here. I compliment Pernod Ricard for choosing Hyderabad to display the bat. We have requested HCA president Mohd. Azharuddin to accommodate this bat at Uppal stadium.”

Ranjan appreciated Pernod Ricard for placing this rare bat in Hyderabad city. “They could have placed this rare bat, which holds the world record, in any part of the country. But they have chosen Hyderabad. That is a matter of huge pride and tremendous honour.”

Azharuddin said he was amazed by the weight of the bat. “Being a Hyderabadi, I am more than delighted that this iconic bat is made in Hyderabad. It is all the more rewarding as it is certified by Guinness World Records.” The HCA president said he will be more than happy to have the cricket bat as a landmark at the Uppal cricket ground.”

Udit Dugar and Gopal Akotkar formally handed over the bat to the Government of Telangana on behalf of Pernod Ricard India (P) Ltd.