In the last month i have had over 100 requests for sponsorship ranging from 12 years old who scored a 50 in his schiool game to minor counties players who claim they can offer excellent exposure.
If a brand sponsors someone and gives them kit then it means they need to put the prices up.
If Spartan/GN etc didnt sponsor anyone then their bats would be £250 maximum, however they have decided that they can produce enough volume to cover this and hope they sell enough bats. Im thinking spartan may be the next to go under. Boom Boom, Mongoose and many others have gone bust by going down this sponsorship route.
I suggest you concentrate on playing cricket and when you deserve a sponsorship the companies will find you.