A woven tribute: Varanasi artisans craft cricket themed Banarasi sarees for Team India

In a unique blend of sport, tradition and craftsmanship, artisans in Varanasi have created a special tribute for the India national cricket team by weaving 15 cricket themed Banarasi sarees that celebrate the country’s cricketing legacy.

The sarees have been designed with intricate motifs inspired by India’s victories in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and other global tournaments. Each piece features woven images of the World Cup trophies India has won along with the respective years. The design of the latest T20 World Cup trophy has also been incorporated, turning the sarees into symbolic pieces that reflect the nation’s sporting pride.

While the base weave retains the traditional Banarasi silk pattern, the borders carry delicate cricket inspired motifs including bats and balls. The fusion of sport and heritage craftsmanship highlights how traditional textiles can creatively reflect contemporary themes.

Creating a single saree required nearly one and a half months of meticulous work , demonstrating the skill and patience of the weavers who continue to preserve one of India’s most celebrated textile traditions. Each saree costs between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000 and has been carefully packed in decorative boxes. In a personalized gesture, photographs of married players with their spouses have been attached to the sarees meant for them, while unmarried players will receive the gifts along with their individual photographs.

Banarasi sarees carry a Geographical Indication (GI) tag , recognising their unique origin and craftsmanship rooted in Varanasi’s centuries old weaving culture. Initiatives like this not only celebrate cricket but also highlight the strength of India’s traditional industries.

Supporters of the initiative say presenting such handcrafted textiles linked to a globally followed sporting event aligns with the spirit of the Make in India campaign. As global audiences follow India’s cricketing achievements, the spotlight also turns toward its heritage crafts, giving Banarasi silk greater visibility and helping it reach new international markets.

In many ways, the tribute reflects a larger message that India’s cultural heritage and modern sporting pride can stand together on the world stage.