CBMAK alleges contestants’ false claims impacted valley’s cricket bat industry
SRINAGAR: The Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) on Monday announced its decision to pursue legal action against SONY Entertainment Television and the participants of Shark Tank India’s Season 3 episode aired on January 30, 2024.
The association alleged that contestants Hamad Tramboo and Saad Tramboo, representing Tramboo Kashmir Willow cricket bats, made false claims about the Kashmir Cricket Bat Manufacturing industry, thereby damaging its reputation.
Fawzul Kabiir, spokesperson of CBMAK and owner of Gr8 sports, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said they will not allow anyone to make false claims that could harm the industry.
He said the false claims made on the show, particularly by participants who allegedly misrepresented themselves as pioneers in the industry, are unacceptable.
“We have continued this industry despite witnessing ups and downs, and now, those who don’t have anything to do with this industry are claiming to be its forefathers,” Kabiir said.
We don’t have any issue with anyone but nobody should make such claims that put its impact on the bat industry as we have our blood and sweat for it, he added.
Fawzul criticised SONY TV for not verifying information before broadcasting “misleading” claims and announced the association’s decision to take legal action against both the channel and the participants. “We will seek justice and ensure accountability from both the show and the participants,” he said.
In an official statement issued to KNO, CBMAK President Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Vice President and Spokesperson Fawzul Kabiir, and other association members strongly condemned the “misleading” statements made during the reality show.
The association challenged contestants’ claims of being the pioneers in the Kashmir bat-making industry, saying the bats manufactured by its members have a unique identity and quality. “These bats are widely acknowledged and used by customers locally, nationally and internationally, including renowned cricketers,” it said.
CBMAK raised concerns about the show contestants’ false assertions regarding being the first to introduce Kashmir Willow to international cricket. They accused the participants of misrepresentation as manufacturers rather than stockists and dealers of Kashmir willow bats.
The association also criticised “distorted explanations” of the bat-making process, which is said to undermine the hard work and patience of Kashmir valley craftsmen.
One notable claim countered by CBMAK was regarding international recognition and milestones achieved by Kashmir Willow bats from other local manufacturers.
“GR8 Sports India Pvt Ltd, a core member of the association, is the first and only International Cricket Council (ICC) approved brand of Kashmir,” it said.
CBMAK members expressed serious concern over the rejection of other indigenous brands during the show, saying that contestants deliberately misrepresented the market’s diversity.
The association said false assertions were made during the ‘Shark Tank India’ episode, which has significantly damaged its members, impacted sales and tarnished the industry’s image.
CBMAK has asked SONY Entertainment Television to take responsibility for the content aired on its platform and demanded a public apology on the same show and compensation for the damages caused.
“Legal proceedings are already in progress, and we are determined to pursue the case to its logical conclusion,” the association said.