Kashmir bat makers to sue Shark Tank India, Sony TV over false claims

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 IndiaThe move comes in response to what CBMAK alleges are false and damaging claims made about the Kashmir Cricket Bat Manufacturing industry during the shows Season 3 episode aired on January 30 2024In 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 batsThe contestants claimed to be ldquopioneersrdquo in the Kashmir batmaking industry a statement vehemently refuted by CBMAKThe 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 ldquoThe 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 cricketersrdquo the statement saidThe primary grievance of CBMAK revolves around the contestants false claims of being ldquopioneers in the Kashmir Cricket batmaking industryrdquoCBMAK 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 arenaFurthermore CBMAK raised objections to ldquodistorted explanationsrdquo of the batmaking 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 valleyThe 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 ICCapproved brand of Kashmir Willow from the valleyThe false assertions made during Shark Tank India have allegedly caused significant damage to CBMAKs members impacting their sales and tarnishing the industrys image the association saidldquoThe 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 industryrdquoCBMAK 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 causedThe association emphasized that legal proceedings are already in progress and they are committed to taking the fight to its logical conclusion