Victorian cricket goods manufacturer Kookaburra Sport has been hitting sixes in the Indian market, cementing its reputation as a global player in the world of cricket. With Australia’s summer of cricket in full swing, the family-owned business is celebrating decades of success, marked by its distinctive bats, balls, and sporting gear.
Kookaburra Sport, founded in Melbourne in 1890 by Alfred Grace (AG) Thompson, began as AG Thompson Pty Ltd, with the “Kookaburra” brand inspired by AG’s pet kookaburra, Jacky. Over 130 years later, it remains a 100% Australian family-owned business, now led by fourth and fifth-generation members of the Thompson family. With offices in Australia, India, New Zealand, the UK, and an agency in South Africa, the company employs over 200 people globally.
In 2019, Kookaburra Sport merged with Burley & Sekem, combining nearly 250 years of expertise in elite sporting goods and apparel. This included the iconic Burley football, used exclusively in the WAFL and SANFL, and Sekem, Australia’s oldest sports apparel manufacturer. Kookaburra New Zealand also acquired the Babolat agency, aligning with another family-run sporting brand established in 1875.
A decade ago, Kookaburra began manufacturing in India, tapping into a cricket-obsessed nation. Today, the company sells up to 30,000 balls and 10,000 bats annually in the country. Cricket’s growing popularity across all age groups and the surge in women’s cricket have driven demand for innovative and diverse equipment. This summer, Kookaburra’s iconic logo will be seen everywhere, from backyard matches to the Big Bash League and international tests.
While maintaining its Australian roots, Kookaburra has evolved into a global brand, producing around one million cricket balls annually. Meticulous craftsmanship remains central to its identity, blending tradition with engineering and innovation—a formula that has kept the company thriving for 130 years. “Quality is key to our success,” says Praful Garga, Kookaburra’s Commercial Development Manager for the Asia Pacific.
“We focus on innovation, refining our processes, and sourcing the best materials while paying attention to every detail.”
Kookaburra’s journey in India began over 35 years ago through collaborations with local suppliers, navigating trade barriers that complicated imports. As India’s economy flourished and opened to foreign investment, the company seized the opportunity to establish a manufacturing presence in 2014. Today, its 70-strong Indian workforce benefits from the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which has eased tariffs and simplified trade processes.
A local presence has allowed Kookaburra to understand the Indian market’s nuances, from popular styles to varying playing conditions. The company draws on feedback from elite athletes to refine its products, ensuring they suit diverse surfaces, from concrete pitches to bustling laneways. Graga adds,
“Our bats and balls are used in matches happening simultaneously on single grounds with different conditions.”
Manufacturing locally also enables Kookaburra to share technology, skills, and equipment between Australia and India while supporting the local industry and cutting transportation costs. This collaboration extends beyond production to sourcing raw materials, ensuring sustainability and employment opportunities in India.
India currently represents less than 10% of Kookaburra’s global market, but with sales of 25,000–30,000 balls and 10,000 bats annually, the company is determined to expand its footprint.
India’s young population, growing leagues like the IPL, and increasing interest in women’s cricket offer unparalleled opportunities for growth. Kookaburra is already responding with tailored products for women and younger players, including specialised bat profiles, protective gear, and clothing.
Looking ahead, Kookaburra is exploring technological innovations, such as smart cricket gear embedded with chips to enhance training and remote coaching. Sustainability is another priority, with initiatives to reduce plastics, switch to renewable energy, and adopt rainwater harvesting.
The company also has its sights set on emerging cricket markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. With cricket set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Kookaburra is gearing up to inspire new audiences and take its legacy to even greater heights.
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