Few days back, an advertisement released by a media channel in Pakistan sparked controversies and how. The ad featured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s doppelgänger who, when asked about India’s World Cup strategy, said, “I’m sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this.” Abhinandan’s famous words were used to mock Team India (and the country) in the upcoming India vs Pakistan ICC World Cup. Some call it a brilliant marketing gimmick. While others, insulting and disrespectful. Well, guess what? India did not stay quiet.
The World Cup ad war just began. A YouTube channel named V Seven Pictures created an advertisement in return just to spite Pakistan. In the ad, we are shown a Pakistani and an Indian in a barber shop. The Pakistani gifts a white handkerchief to that Indian saying that he might need it cover his face when they lose the match. The Indian, quite stunned by his action, exchanges you-know-what-to-do glances at the barber. Once the barber is done shaving the Pakistani’s beard, he gives out a job-well-done sigh. As the Pakistani takes a look into the mirror, he is shocked to see that the barber has given him the legendary Abhinandan’s handlebar moustache. His expression was all it took to make the internet go berserk.
Take a look at the ad right below.
From a marketing point of view, both the ads had a brilliant yet sensitive storyline. From a viewer’s point of view, the ads were either a disgrace to Indian cricket community or superbly hilarious. Either way, India had a great comeback right ahead the India vs Pakistan ICC World Cup match, as always. Having said that, don’t forget to catch the ultimate match happening on the 16th of June, 2019.
