Travel aggregator MakeMyTrip recently faced backlash for a controversial advertisement that targeted Pakistani cricket fans. The ad, published in Ahmedabad Times on October 14, made fun of the fans who had traveled to Ahmedabad for the India versus Pakistan world cup cricket match at the Narendra Modi stadium. The advertisement began by asking readers to put aside their rivalries and extend a warm welcome to the Pakistani visitors. However, the offer was tainted by discount codes that were based on how many wickets and run differences Pakistan would lose the match by.
The ad also included phrases like ‘boys played well’, ‘ek shaheen haar’, and ‘no mauka mauka’, which are used to mock the Pakistan team whenever they lose a match. This drew even more criticism from social media users. Many pointed out that the ad’s bad grammar, with one poster saying ‘boys playz well’, was further demeaning to Pakistanis and the players.
The internet had a mixed reaction to the ad, with some finding it hilarious and sporting, while others thought it was in bad taste. Former Indian cricket team player Virender Sehwag shared a picture of the ad on Twitter and commented on the humor in Pakistan’s loss. However, one user questioned whether MakeMyTrip would have made a similar ad targeting any other cricket team playing against India.
Another person apologized to the Pakistani fans for the ad and expressed hope that those responsible for it would regret their actions. They emphasized that the ad did not represent Indian values and only showcased the worst among the Indian population. They further criticized the ad for using stereotypes and intentional grammatical errors.
Filmmaker Sumit Purohit also voiced his disdain for the advertisement, calling Indians “terrible people” for denying visas to Pakistanis and then mocking them in this manner. He argued that this kind of humor only reflected India’s insecurities and crass sense of humor. Purohit stressed the importance of respecting opponents and bringing people together in sporting competitions, and accused India of forgetting these principles.
The controversy surrounding the MakeMyTrip ad highlights the fine line between humor and offensiveness in advertising. While some may find the ad funny or harmless, it clearly struck a nerve with many Pakistanis and Indians alike. It serves as a reminder that advertisers should be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or promoting hostility towards others.