The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry took centre stage at the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 14, 2023. India's victory left fans ecstatic, but it wasn't just the match that had everyone talking. MakeMyTrip, one of India's leading online travel companies, released a controversial ad ahead of the game. The ad offered discounts to Pakistani fans based on the margin of their team's loss. While intended as a joke, the ad generated mixed reactions. Some found it disgraceful and insensitive, while others appreciated its light-hearted spirit. The India-Pakistan rivalry continues to evoke strong emotions, sparking creativity and debates that show no signs of slowing down. MakeMyTrip has yet to comment on the ad.
This weekend was all the buzz for cricket fans across the world and it’s safe to say that it was nothing short of drama. On the 14th of October’ 23, one of cricket’s favourite rivalries between India and Pakistan, were back in action for a face-off at The Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India ( the largest cricket stadium in the world). The encounter was quite enthralling and with the stadium being completely packed at maximum capacity. India’s victory over Pakistan left fans ecstatic.
Adding to the injury was MakeMyTrip. With over 10 million customers, MakeMyTrip is India's leading online travel company and one of the top 10 travel companies in India. One might wonder, why was a travel company making negative headlines over a cricket match? Well, MakeMyTrip released a rather controversial ad ahead of the India- Pakistan cricket match which so to speak went down blazing in flames.
According to a news report by NDTV, The travel company extended "heartfelt offers" to Pakistani fans. "An open invitation to Pakistani fans," the header of the advertisement read.
"Let's take a moment and forget our rivalries. After all it's not every day that you visit us... So staying true to the Indian tradition of 'Atithi Devo Bhava,' we want to extend some heartfelt offers to you. If Pakistan loses by: 10 wickets or 200 runs, get 50% off. Use code: BoysPlayedWell; 6 wickets or 100 runs, get 30% off. Use code: EkShaheenHaar; 3 wickets or 50 runs, get 10% off. Use code: NoMaukaMauka," the advertisement read. The ad was printed in multiple big-named newspapers.
Since its release, the ad which is believed to have been intended as a joke, left viewers rather confused. Many viewers stormed the walls of social media platforms with comments deeming the ad to be disgraceful, insensitive and in incredibly bad taste. However, some viewers on the contrary, argued in support of the ad with appreciative comments suggesting that the ad was witty, all in good spirits, light hearted and certainly not to be mistaken for an attack on Pakistanis. MakeMyTrip has yet to comment on the matter.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan has long given rise to strong emotions amongst not just cricket fans but also citizens. This rivalry has stirred the pot of creativity (in both parties alike) for decades now, which interestingly enough, arrive like bolts from the blue and show no signs of stopping anytime soon.
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