MakeMyTrip's ad mocking Pak team draws flak

An advertisement by Make My Trip asking all the Pakistan fans who are travelling to India to watch the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 is receiving backlash online. The travel company extended “heartfelt offers” to Pakistani fans. “An open invitation to Pakistani fans,” the header of the advertisement read.

“Lets take a moment and forget our rivalries. After all it’s not everyday 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.

Apparently, this newspaper ad was posted ahead of the India vs Pakistan match that was held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday (October 14). The ad campaign, which was launched for the much-hyped India vs. Pakistan match, backfired and instead sparked controversy.  

The company’s idea to offer discount for Pakistani cricket fans based on the number of runs their team loses by did not rightly portray their hospitality and camaraderie. It seemingly fell flat and rubbed the people on the wrong side. Many have criticised the brand’s attempt at humor amid a highly anticipated sporting event and termed the ad as “horrible and distasteful”.

Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla termed the advertisement “uncalled for and unwanted”, asking MakeMyTrip to withdraw it.