Prerana Toshniwal, Pune
The Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir, a recognised amalgam of all cricket bat producers in the Kashmir Valley, has filed a lawsuit against Sony Pictures Network, producers of the reality TV show Shark Tank India and Tramboo Sports Pvt. Ltd. In this lawsuit, they have demanded an on-air apology within 15 days and Rs. 100 crore as compensation. This issue originated from an episode of Shark Tank India that aired on January 30, 2024. In the said episode, the founders of Tramboo Sports, Saad and Hamad Tramboo, claimed to be the exclusive makers of Kashmir willow cricket bats.
A team from CBMAK has denied this claim made by the Tramboo brothers. They alleged that the brothers falsely presented themselves as the sole manufacturers of Kashmir willow bats. They also said that they misled the public and caused major harm to their members’ businesses. This, they also allege, has caused a “severe jolt” in the sales and supply of their members’ businesses by harming the reputation of the entire indigenous Kashmiri bat-making business.
“The bats manufactured by CBMAK members are highlighted for their superior quality, with various star cricketers endorsing and utilising them. This sets the stage for the association’s claims against Tramboo Sports,” the delegation stated. They also expressed their astonishment at the claims made by Tramboo Sports on the ‘Shark Tank India Season 3.
Additionally, the association has also accused Sony Entertainment Television of airing “wrong, falsified, and incorrect data.” In their statement, CBMAK also emphasized its role as the true and only representative of Kashmir’s cricket bat manufacturers, claiming unwavering support from its members and portraying itself as the protector of the local bat manufacturing industry’s success and wellbeing.
Saad and Hamad are currently pursuing a BBA and have set out to seek Rs 30 lakhs for a three percent equity stake in their business. In the episode, the duo got offers from sharks Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and Anupam Mittal. After a playful deliberation, they finalized a joint deal with Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal at Rs. 30 lakh for four percent equity.