Australia could face a shortage of affordable cricket bats in years to come as Indian producers predict a huge shortfall in supply following the destruction of Kashmir willow stockpiles in recent floods.

Flooding in September along the India-Pakistan border region of Kashmir killed more than 500 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

Willow suppliers in Kashmir are still assessing the damage, but some estimated the loss of wood, and damage to trees could equate to a shortfall of millions of cricket bats in coming years.

All India Sports Goods Manufacturing Association chairman Rakesh Mahajan said it was predominantly export supplies that were affected.

"Australia is very big buyer from India, England is also, South Africa and all the cricket playing countries are importing from here," Mr Mahajan said.

While some cut wood was damaged, existing trees may also be unusable after being submerged in water for days.

"Even if we get a supply, the wood will arrive here but get black spots on them," 69-year-old cricket bat factory worker Mangulal said.

He said it was the worst flooding he had seen in his 50-year career.

"I feel sad because it will affect how much work we get," he said.

At Mr Mahajan's cricket equipment factory in Meerut in North India workers produce up to 600 cricket bats a day.

Top-line bats will not be affected

The top-of-the-line bats are made using high-quality willow imported from England, but the majority are made using Kashmiri willow which is significantly cheaper.

Sorry, this video has expired Shortage of willow trees leaves Indian bat makers stumped ( South Asia correspondent Stephanie March )

"The common man or the students or school-going boys, they can buy easily this Kashmir willow bat. It is affordable, everybody can afford this," Mr Mahajan said.

He said there was no equivalent substitute for Kashmir willow, and he may resort to purchasing more wood from England which would push up prices.

Each willow tree takes 10 to 15 years to grow, and while suppliers have one or two years' worth of wood in stock, Mr Mahajan said the impact would be felt when those stores run out and the shortfall could last for a long time to come.

"For one or two years there will be no problem, but after three years it will be a problem," he said.