Global partnerships in focus: AS Sports and JS Wright & Sons

A JS Wright & Sons willow cleft often travels thousands of miles from the quiet river valleys of England to the heart of the world’s most passionate cricketing nations. Perhaps no story better illustrates this global heritage than our decades-long partnership with AS Sports in Pakistan.

A connection forged in the 1980s

Our relationship with AS Sports began in an era when English Willow was a rare and highly taxed commodity. In the 1980s, Nick Wright travelled to Pakistan alongside David Waterhouse of Hardwood Dimensions Limited to gauge a market that was, at the time, dominated by local woods.

It was during this period, in 1988, that we first began dealing with Khalid Javed and his family. Unlike many who relied on agents, JS Wright & Sons established a direct line to the manufacturers, ensuring the quality of our English Willow was never compromised during its long journey to Sialkot.

Jeremy Ruggles recalls: “I clearly remember my first visit to Pakistan in February 1995. Seeing the AS Sports factory in person and witnessing their dedication to the craft – even then – made it clear this was a partnership built to last.”

Three generations of craftsmanship

Founded in 1960 by the late Ch. M. Asghar, AS Sports (and now K3 Sports) remains a family-run pillar of the industry. Today, the torch has passed to the third generation: Waqas Khalid and his brother Hakan Khalid.

While the faces have changed over the decades, the commitment to quality has only intensified. Historically, the Pakistani market primarily sought lower-grade willow; however, the last decade has seen a dramatic shift. Today, there is a demand for every grade of English Willow, as players and manufacturers alike seek “elite-level” performance only Salix alba var. caerulea can provide.

The “sound of leather on willow” worldwide

AS Sports has been the brand behind some of the game’s greatest icons, most notably sponsoring the legendary Javed Miandad. Today, that legacy continues through their work with figures like Javed Afridi, owner of the Peshawar Zalmi PSL team. Despite the challenges of international trade, including fluctuating markets and heavy import tariffs, the bond between Great Leighs and Sialkot remains unshakable.

A shared vision

As the third generation of the Khalid family takes AS Sports and K3 Sports forward, their mission mirrors our own: “Through innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep passion for cricket, AS Sports and K3 Sports remain committed to delivering reliable, high-performance cricket products to players and customers worldwide.” We are proud to provide the premium timber that allows that craftsmanship to shine.