Shark Tank India, the Indian reality show, is seen as the gateway for budding Indian entrepreneurs to get their startups off the ground, either through getting investment from the Sharks or getting exposure on a national level to a potential customer base.
However, in recent news, a cricket bat manufacturing startup from Jammu and Kashmir has landed in hot water soon after their appearance on the show where they are being sued by Kashmir’s cricket bat manufacturing association and the show itself has also been involved in the whole ordeal.
The claim for the lawsuit is that the startup founders made false claims while making their pitch on the show and how it has negatively affected the association.
What Happened?
In the Shark Tank India episode aired on 30th January, one of the pitchers were Hamad Tramboo and Saad Tramboo who brought their startup of Tramboo Sports to the show. The duo even managed to secure a deal from Lenskart CEO Peyush Bansal and boAt co-founder Aman Gupta who decided to put in Rs. 30 lakh for a 4% equity in the startup.
However, trouble arose when a delegation of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) decided to take legal action against the duo and even broadcaster Sony Pictures Networks.
The CBMAK claimed that Tramboo Sports’ statement of being the exclusive producer of Kashmir willow cricket bats was not correct and was misleading the public.
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CBMAK President Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Vice President Fawzul Kabiir and other members also alleged that these false claims were harming the association members’ business and impacted the reputation of the indigenous Kashmir willow cricket bat-making business.
As per reports, the association in their legal notice has demanded that both Tramboo Sports and Sony Pictures issue an on-air apology for their statements in 15 days and also asked for compensation of around Rs. 100 crore for ‘damages, loss and mental agony’ that all this has caused the association.
Speaking with Kashmir-based news source Kashmir Dot Com, members of the CBMAK stated “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.”
“We express astonishment at the claims made by Tramboo Sports on the ‘Shark Tank India’ Season 3 episode dated 30th January 2024.”
The association further commented “We contend that Tramboo Sports’ false claims have caused a significant disruption in the sales and supply of CBMAK members’ bats. The assertions have also misled the public and buyers, harming the image of the indigenous industry.”
They further added that “CBMAK emphasises its role as the true and only representative of Kashmir’s cricket bat manufacturers.”
In a statement, the association also said “Incorrect claims regarding international recognitions and milestones achieved by the Kashmir Willow bats made by other local bat manufacturers is also being seen as a point of serious concern (sic).”
Another part of the notice refutes the startup’s claims stating “In reality, there are around 400 manufacturing units across the indigenous industry in the valley. Due to the false claims made by Tramboo Sports co-founders, the original manufacturer has witnessed loss in business confidence, dip in sales and his exports have taken a hit.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: TOI, Livemint, Hindustan Times
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This post is tagged under: Shark Tank India, india reality show, Shark tank, Shark Tank India, Shark Tank India 3, Shark Tank india series, Jammu And Kashmir, Sony Pictures, Tramboo Sports, Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir, kashmir bats manufacture, Hamad Tramboo, Saad Tramboo
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