Sachin Tendulkar "bat ka grip" controversy sparks memetic storm

The issue of using someone else's image or voice has been a longstanding concern, but what if the individual affected is a renowned cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar? After a social media outrage over a recent controversy related to "God of Cricket", Sachin Tendulkar has lodged a complaint against his name, voice, and images being wrongfully used for fake advertisements and in memes.

Mumbai police have registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by former cricketer Tendulkar, as his name, photo, and voice were used without permission in an online advertisement for a drug company. The FIR, under sections 426, 465, and 500 of the IPC, has prompted an investigation into the matter.

"...We have noticed that there have been attempts to impersonate Sachin Tendulkar's attributes in an unauthorized manner, for selling products and services not associated with him. These are being done with a deliberate and malicious intention of misleading gullible citizens to… https://t.co/gELqhh9aty pic.twitter.com/mgGg83XvXo

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2023

Sachin Tendulkar tweeted about the same from his Twitter account and advised people to be careful about such fake advertisements. He also asked people to report such misleading and fake advertisements.

The controversy spread more after the cricket legend celebrated his birthday last month. Here’s how fans and netizens reacted to the memes:

Bat ka grip 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/WfM9lNjVxO

— Aryan45 🇮🇳 (@Iconic_Rohit) May 13, 2023

I remember the outrage when Tanmay Bhatt did mimicry of Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar. FIRs etc., what not.

Cut to 2023, the same people who were outraged at that time are now making best memes on arey vedyaaa bat ka grip.

Is the society changing in acceptance of jokes or jio…

— Chirag Barjatya (@chiragbarjatyaa) May 19, 2023

#BREAKING: Sachin Tendulkar files FIR after his voice audio Illegally used in meme templates. pic.twitter.com/2x9tnpIXv7

— Akdas (@Akdas_Hayat) May 13, 2023