Love story in Willow: Police officer who built a Cricket empire for his wife

THRISSUR: For Shivaprasad, life has always been defined by two major passions: the sound of a leather ball hitting a sweet spot, and Thara, the girl next door.

In 2017, Shivaprasad donned the khaki uniform of the Kerala Police. By 2022, he married Thara. But instead of a conventional wedding gift, this cricket-obsessed cop decided to build an entire empire for his wife. What started as a romantic gesture has today evolved into a booming international cricket bat manufacturing business.

Birth of 'DSP'

To get the business off the ground, Shivaprasad took a formal leave of absence from the police force, dedicating his time entirely to expanding the venture alongside Thara. The brand name itself is a clever play on words and partnerships. By blending the name of a friend’s sports shop, "Deportivo," with Shivaprasad’s own initials, "SP," the brand "DSP" was born—a fitting nod to both his police background and his wife, Thara.

What began in a modest workshop near his home in Mulankunnathukavu (Thrissur) and another facility in Thiruvananthapuram has now gone global. Today, custom-made bats from Thrissur are being shipped worldwide to cricket enthusiasts in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.

Premium craftsmanship, local support

DSP doesn't compromise on quality. Shivaprasad sources premium English Willow and authentic Kashmir Willow to craft bats tailored for every type of play—whether it's for soft tennis balls, hard tennis balls, or professional stitched leather balls.

While it is a family-run business at its core, Shivaprasad credits his tight-knit circle of friends—Sandeep, Rajeesh, Rahim, and Vipin—for helping manage the daily operations. When probed about the company’s exact profit margins, the cop-turned-entrepreneur simply offers a modest, tight-lipped smile.

"The digital marketing strategy on Instagram and YouTube was the real game-changer for DSP's market reach." — Shivaprasad

Keeping memories alive

The brand’s digital marketing handles bear a unique name: "Peringandoor City." It’s a poignant tribute to Shivaprasad’s late friend, Jishnuprasad, who passed away a decade ago. The name originated from an inside joke shared with Jishnu, and using it today keeps his memory alive in every viral video and product launch.

With the business successfully hitting boundaries worldwide and firmly established, Shivaprasad is now preparing to return to his duties and wear the police uniform once again. Life is sweet for the officer; between running a global business, serving the public, and raising his one-year-old son, Samarth, Shivaprasad has truly hit it out of the park.