The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Former legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar visited a bat manufacturing factory in the Chersoo area of Awantipora in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday.

According to details obtained by the news agency KNO, Tendulkar paid a visit to the MJ Sports factory in Chersoo and interacted with the workers there.

The MJ Sports factory, which produces cricket bats, is owned by two brothers, Manzoor and Javid, from Chersoo.

Javaid Ahmad, co-owner of the MJ bat manufacturing factory, said that Tendulkar was en route to Pahalgam from Srinagar when he stopped near the factory, close to the toll plaza in Awantipora, and engaged in conversation with the workers of MJ Sports.

"We were delighted to see Sachin Tendulkar visiting our factory. During his visit, a request was made to him to assist in the promotion of Kashmiri cricket bats," he said.

According to Javid, the legendary cricketer inspected the entire bat manufacturing process. “He appreciated and encouraged us to continue our good work. He also promised to promote Kashmiri bats himself,” he said.

Javid said the visit of a legend like Sachin Tendulkar has encouraged them to give their best and further promote this bat, which has already attained international recognition.

“Sachin sir spent around half an hour at our unit, during which we presented him with a bat, and he promised to promote it,” he said.

Tendulkar was accompanied by his wife and daughter, Sara Tendulkar.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, described Tendulkar's visit to the bat factory in Awantipora as a golden moment for Kashmir willow bats.

"Master Blaster, the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar blessed cricket bat factory Chersoo Awantipora Pulwama (M/S MJ Sports) with a visit. Inspiration par excellence. Golden day for Kashmir willow bats," Dr Basharat tweeted.

Later, Sachin Tendulkar visited the Martand Temple in the Mattan area of southern Kashmir's Anantnag district before heading to Pahalgam for the night.

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SRINAGAR — The Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK) has swung into legal action against Sony Pictures Networks, the makers of the popular reality show "Shark Tank India" and Tramboo Sports Pvt. Ltd. The dispute stems from claims made on the show during an episode that aired on January 30th, 2024.

A delegation of CBMAK, the recognized amalgam body of all cricket bat manufacturers in the Kashmir Valley while talking to the Kashmir-based news gathering agency KDC strongly refuted the portrayal of Tramboo Sports as the sole manufacturer of Kashmir willow cricket bats.

They expressed deep concern about the claims made by Tramboo Sports on "Shark Tank India," alleging they have misled the public and caused significant harm to its members' businesses.

They claim these misrepresentations have resulted in a "severe jolt" to the sales of their members' bats and tarnished the image of the entire indigenous Kashmiri bat-making industry.

“The bats manufactured by CBMAK members are highlighted for their superior quality, with various star cricketers endorsing and utilizing them. This sets the stage for the association's claims against Tramboo Sports,” the delegation said.

“We express astonishment at the claims made by Tramboo Sports on the 'Shark Tank India' Season 3 episode dated 30th January 2024,” they said.

They alleged that Tramboo Sports falsely presented themselves as the sole manufacturer of Kashmir willow bats, causing harm to CBMAK members.

“We contend that Tramboo Sports' false assertions have led to a severe jolt in the sales and supply of CBMAK members' bats. The claims have also misled the public and purchasers, tarnishing the image of the indigenous industry,” they said.

“CBMAK emphasizes its role as the true and only representative of Kashmir's cricket bat manufacturers,” the association said while claiming unequivocal support from its members, portraying itself as the guardian of the prosperity and welfare of the local bat manufacturing industry.

The Association through its counsel has also sent a detailed legal notice demanding an on-air apology within 15 days from both Sony Pictures Networks and Tramboo Sports. Additionally, the association through legal notice have sought compensation of Rs. 100,00,00,000 (One Hundred Crores) for damages, loss, and mental agony suffered by CBMAK.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse