Kashmir bat makers to sue 'Shark Tank India', Sony Entertainment Television over false claims

File photo for representation

The Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) has announced its decision to take legal action against 'SONY Entertainment Television' and participants of the reality TV show 'Shark Tank India.'

The move comes in response to what CBMAK alleges are false and damaging claims made about the Kashmir Cricket Bat Manufacturing industry during the show's Season 3 episode aired on January 30, 2024.

In a statement, president of CBMAK, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, along with Vice President and Spokesperson Fawzul Kabiir, and other members, expressed their concerns over the misleading statements made by the participants, Hamad Tramboo and Saad Tramboo, representing Tramboo Kashmir Willow cricket bats.

The contestants claimed to be "pioneers" in the Kashmir bat-making industry, a statement vehemently refuted by CBMAK.

The statement said that CBMAK, an amalgamation of all Cricket Bat Manufacturers in the Valley, is dedicated to ensuring the prosperity and welfare of its members. "The bats manufactured by its members hold a unique identity and are widely recognized for their quality, being used by our valued customers spread across local, national and international markets including various noted star cricketers," the statement said.

The primary grievance of CBMAK revolves around the contestants' false claims of being "pioneers in the Kashmir Cricket bat-making industry".

CBMAK clarified that the individuals in question are not manufacturers but stockists and dealers of Kashmir willow bats. The association also disputed the assertion of being the first to introduce Kashmir Willow to the international cricket arena.

Furthermore, CBMAK raised objections to "distorted explanations" of the bat-making process, particularly the contestants' portrayal of the exposure of clefts to the seasoning chambers. CBMAK insisted that such misinformation demeans the hard work and patience of the craftsmen in the Kashmir valley.

The contestants' rejection of other local bat manufacturers' brands during the show, claiming there is no other brand in Kashmir except theirs, has also been strongly contested by CBMAK. The association listed numerous indigenous brands, including GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd., the first and only ICC-approved brand of Kashmir Willow from the valley.

The false assertions made during 'Shark Tank India' have allegedly caused significant damage to CBMAK's members, impacting their sales and tarnishing the industry's image, the association said.

"The association contends that the misinformation has misled the general public and purchasers of its members' products, causing a severe threat to the livelihoods of over 15000 individuals directly involved and over a lakh workers and craftsmen indirectly associated with the industry."

CBMAK has called on 'SONY Entertainment Television' to take responsibility for the content aired on its platform, demanding a public apology during the same TV show and compensation for the damages caused.

The association emphasized that legal proceedings are already in progress, and they are committed to taking the fight to its logical conclusion.