An advertisement by Make My Trip, a travel company, offering discounts to Pakistani cricket fans traveling to India to watch the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, has received backlash online. The ad extended “heartfelt offers” to the Pakistani fans, inviting them to put aside rivalries and visit India. However, the ad campaign backfired and sparked controversy.
The advertisement, posted in a newspaper ahead of the India vs. Pakistan match, offered discounts based on the number of runs Pakistan loses by. For example, if Pakistan loses by 10 wickets or 200 runs, fans would receive a 50% discount using the code “BoysPlayedWell.” If they lose by 6 wickets or 100 runs, they would get a 30% discount using “EkShaheenHaar,” and if they lose by 3 wickets or 50 runs, they would get a 10% discount using “NoMaukaMauka.”
The company’s attempt at humor and camaraderie was met with criticism, with many finding it distasteful and inappropriate. Tehseen Poonawalla, a political analyst, called the advertisement “uncalled for and unwanted” and urged Make My Trip to withdraw it.
Overall, the advertisement by Make My Trip offering discounts to Pakistani cricket fans traveling to India for the ICC World Cup 2023 has faced backlash and controversy. Critics have deemed it distasteful and inappropriate, calling for its withdrawal.